Air Force diversity efforts aim to mentor, open doors to underrepresented groups March 8 Cadets attending AFJROTC Summer Flight Academy at Delaware State University tour a Radar Approach Control facility. (Roland Balik/Air Force) Senior Air Force officials have insisted that the creation of a force of airmen with diverse backgrounds and experiences is crucial to adapting to the threats of the future. That’s why Air Education and Training Command, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, has moved forward with plans to increase diversity and inclusion. Over the past two years, AETC has implemented a number of programs and policy changes intended to draw women and underrepresented minorities into Air Force jobs, including rated (flight) career fields.
AOPA honours aviators at fifth annual Hoover Awards February 10, 2021
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association honoured aviators in a virtual presentation of the fifth annual R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy Awards.
Designer Burt Rutan, retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kenyatta Ruffin, and BRS Aerospace founder Boris Popov were all recognized for exemplifying courage, perseverance, and service.
The virtual ceremony celebrated the 2020 award winners due to the pandemic which canceled the event last year.
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Rutan was recognized for the highest honour of the night, the R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy for exhibiting “the airmanship, leadership, and passion for aviation” that Hoover had, as well as for having a “distinguished career as a pilot and aviation advocate while also serving as a source of inspiration and encouragement for current and prospective aviators.”
- February 9, 2021, 12:29 PM
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) honored four “remarkable” aerospace innovators and leaders famed designer Burt Rutan, retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kenyatta Ruffin, and BRS Aerospace founder Boris Popov during its fifth annual R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy Awards. Presented virtually on February 3 in a ceremony hosted by airshow announcer Rob Reider, the awards recognize individuals who have exemplified courage, perseverance, and service, AOPA said.
“Bob Hoover radiated a remarkable spirit and overcame many obstacles in his life s journey to become an inspiring and motivating, innovative pilot not the least of which was surviving (and escaping) a POW camp during World War II,” AOPA president and CEO Mark Baker said. “It s in this spirit for adventure, and for giving back to the aviation community, why this award and this evening exists.”
An award in honor of Brig. Gen. Charles McGee goes to Lt. Col. Kenyatta Ruffin.
Burt Rutan, legendary aircraft designer and thought leader, was honored with the 5th annual AOPA R. A. âBobâ Hoover Trophy.
Courtesy David Tulis, AOPA
A touch of inspiration keeps us going when difficult times surround usâso the advent of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association annual awards presented on February 3 via livestream felt like the push forward we all need.
The General Aviation Awards honor select people in the industry who have made major contributions over the course of their careers to key areas within GA. The primary award, named after legendary pilot and pioneer R. A. âBobâ Hoover, was first bestowed upon Hoover prior to his death and is now in its fifth year. The 2021 honoree is aircraft designer, engineer, and thought leader Burt Rutan, whose 49 singular aircraft projects have pushed the envelope in performance, safety, and enduranceâeven the boundar