Actor, pilot, aviation spokesman, and aircraft owner Harrison Ford will receive the 2010 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy at a dinner Dec. 17 in Washington, D.C., for his support and defense of aviation.
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) will present the award. The citation will read: “For engaging our nation’s youth in aviation and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and enthusiasts to secure a strong future for all of aviation.”
NAA established this award in 1948 to honor the memory of Orville and Wilbur Wright. Ford has established himself as a passionate defender of the freedoms aviation provides. He serves as spokesman for AOPA’s General Aviation Serves America campaign and was chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program. Following the Haiti earthquake Ford flew supplies to the beleaguered island in his Cessna Caravan. He also flew athletes to the Special Olympics and served as chairman of the 2010 Special Olympics Airlift. Ford also spoke to members of Congress about the value of GA in May.