2017 Gala Awards

Wright Brothers Memorial Award

Laurans A. Mendelson, Chairman & CEO; HEICO Corporation

The Greater Miami Aviation Association Wright Brothers Memorial Award is the most prestigious of the GMAA’s awards. Having begun in 1927 as a pioneering Miami-based Florida-focused civil aviation advocacy group, today the GMAA membership and activities are concentrated in and encompass the advancement of the aviation and aerospace community on a global scale.

The Greater Miami Aviation Association Wright Brothers Memorial Award parallels the growth and evolution of the GMAA organization. It is proudly presented to an internationally distinguished industry leader whose substantial contribution to the aviation and aerospace community reflects the innovation, vision, conviction and admired business principles attributed to the positive impact and legacy upon aviation of the Wright Brothers.

Juan Trippe Award

Robert Korn, President; Apollo Aviation Group

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This award recognizes the significant contributions made by an individual to the development of international aviation. Juan Trippe started Pan American World Airways, Inc. in 1927. Under his leadership, Pan Am essentially represented America’s commercial aviation policy overseas by pioneering international routes and operating global daily flights.

Glenn Curtiss Award

Rene Mantilla, Principal; George T. Baker Aviation Technical College

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This Award recognizes extraordinary contributors to the air transport, business and private aviation sectors in the Americas and South Florida for their innovation, customer support and product quality and in the field of education.

Amelia Earhart Award

Ursula Davidson, Aviation professor; FL Goldcoast Chapter of the 99s

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This award celebrates women in aviation and stands for outstanding achievement and accomplishment.

Edward V. Rickenbacker Award

Donald A. Campion, President & Head Coach; Banyan Air Services Inc.

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The Edward V. Rickenbacker Award is named for the former Chairman & CEO of Eastern Air Lines, who helped make South Florida a major aviation center and set. His example of the American work ethic is the basis for this award, recognizing an individual whose efforts in commercial aviation have contributed to the economic growth of South Florida.