The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced the names of the 2024 Public Benefit Flying Awards recipients.
Created in partnership with the Air Care Alliance (ACA), a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations, the NAA’s Public Benefit Flying Awards recognizes individual volunteers and volunteer organizations who utilize aviation for humanitarian actions.
“Aviation can help save lives and support those in need in ways that no other method of transportation can,” said Amy Spowart, NAA President and CEO. “When the landscape is in chaos, literally or figuratively, lifting patients above any boundary is critical. The pilots who dedicate their time and talent in this way are heroes, and their selflessness deserves accolades and recognition. We are proud to provide these honors to them.”
The 2024 NAA Public Benefit Flying Award recipients are:
- Distinguished Volunteer Pilot: John Jewett for giving his time, talent, and resources to transport hundreds of passengers to their life-saving medical care as an Angel Flight West volunteer pilot. Jewett has flown more than 580 missions, helping passengers reach life-saving medical care.
- Outstanding Achievement in Advancement of Public Benefit Flying: Mercy Medical Angels for helping patients find “the shortest distance between home and help.” Mercy Medical Angels has provided more than 53,000 trips to critical medical treatment for in-need patients across the country, including more than 6,300 flights and 47,000 trips with ground transportation.
- Champion of Public Benefit Flying: Daniel Cheung for his dedication and unwavering support of charitable aviation. Cheung has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to charitable aviation through his tireless support and advocacy for Angel Flight West, raising awareness of the vital role of public benefit flying.