AOPA announces Charles Spence Award
Recognizes outstanding service to GA
Charles Spence spent most of his 94 years reporting on and advocating for general aviation at a number of outlets and organizations, including 15 years at AOPA, where he served as senior vice president of public relations. Spence, who passed away in June, now has an award named in his honor, the first recipient of which shares more than his passion for aviation.
The inaugural Charles Spence Award was presented by AOPA President Mark Baker to Charles’ son, Craig Spence, at the twenty-eighth International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) World Assembly in Chicago in July.
“Charles Spence provided dedicated service to general aviation, and especially to AOPA, over a long and varied career,” said Baker. “Like his father, Craig Spence has spent many years working to advance general aviation in the United States and abroad, and I am honored to present him with the inaugural Charles Spence Award.”
In accepting the award, Craig Spence said, “I am honored that AOPA has chosen to create an award in my father’s name, the fact that I was the first recipient is beyond comprehension.”
