Person of the Year Award
Established by the Aero Club of Washington’s Board of Governors in 2024, the Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals or groups who have made a positive and significant impact on aviation at the national level during the preceding 18 months.
Recipients are selected by the Aero Club Board of Governors, and the award is presented annually at the Wright Memorial Dinner in December.
2025 Persons of the Year
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal, State, and Local DCA Crash First Responders
The Aero Club of Washington proudly recognized the NTSB and the dedicated federal, state, and local first responders who led the emergency response following the January 29, 2025 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as the 2025 Persons of the Year.
The award was presented during the 77th Annual Wright Memorial Dinner on December 11, 2025, honoring the extraordinary collaboration, professionalism, and selfless service demonstrated by the NTSB and the first responders from across agencies and jurisdictions. Their actions reflected the highest ideals of public service during one of the most challenging moments in recent aviation history.
Past Recipients
- 2024: The primary authors of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 – Congressman Sam Graves, Congressman Rick Larsen, Senator Maria Cantwell, and Senator Ted Cruz
- 2025: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal, State, and Local DCA Crash First Responders
