YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO THE TWELFTH WICHITA AERO CLUB GALA.

Please join us for cocktails and dinner as we recognize this year’s recipient of the WICHITA AERO CLUB TROPHY Mr. Ron Ryan of Ryan International Airlines.

When: Saturday, January 29, 2022
Where: Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at Wichita’s Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport 2098 South Airport Road Emerald Ballroom
Time: Cocktail Hour: 6:00-7:00 PM Dinner: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM

  • Reservations may be made on-line below, or by calling 316-641-5962

  • RSVPs and Prepayment requested by January 21, 2022

  • Business Attire

About the Wac trophy

Lynn Nichols and Yingling Aviation accepted the WAC Trophy in January, 2018.

The Nomination Registration Period is Currently Closed.

We’ve taken the nomination process online! When the registration period opens, please complete this online form to submit your nomination. Submission deadlines are typically the end of September.

Members of the aviation community and the general public are encouraged to follow the simple criteria for nominating potential recipients. We will announce the winner at the National Business Aviation Association Annual Meeting & Convention once all of the nominees have been reviewed by the Selection Committee.

The Committee, which is chaired by Ashley Bowen-Cook of the Greteman Group, includes members of the Wichita Aero Club Board of Directors and prominent members of the aviation community, who will evaluate all of the nominations, including those previously submitted if they still conform to the criteria. The WAC wants to continue to build upon the tradition we began in 2009 by selecting a deserving candidate with solid ties to the Wichita and Kansas aviation community.

Acknowledging Legacy: A Look Back

The Wichita Aero Club Trophy has been created to recognize both contemporaneous accomplishment or a lifetime of achievement. The first WAC Trophy went to someone who has been associated with Wichita’s aviation history since its early days, Mrs. Velma Wallace. Of course, that doesn’t mean that nominees can’t come from the ranks of individuals, groups, or organizations whose recognition is based on a recent milestone or singular event. The second trophy was presented to Jeff Turner and Spirit AeroSystems for their outstanding performance during difficult economic times. The 2013 trophy was presented to John O’Leary and Airbus Americas Engineering and the 2014 trophy was presented to Russ Meyer, Chairman Emeritus of Cessna Aircraft Company. There are always significant achievements during the course of a year that certainly warrant consideration.

Nominees for the Trophy

The Wichita Aero Club Trophy will be awarded annually to a living person, group, or organization with a strong relationship to the greater Wichita area. The nominee(s) will be considered on the basis of exemplary achievements in the field of aviation or aerospace accomplished during the past year or, as appropriate, over an extended period or career.

Sculptor and trophy creator Chris Brunner chose elements that represented the eyes-turned-skyward spirit of aviation. A translucent blue pyramid containing the Aero Club Logo harkens to the ancient form through which man strived to reach the heavens. Its delta shape is also representative of the modern form of advanced flight. The translucent aspect of the trophy represents the atmosphere, with contrails wrapping upward from the base. The trophy’s pedestal of stainless steel framework gives recognition to Wichita’s aircraft manufacturing legacy.

This beautiful achievement trophy permanently, prominently, and proudly resides on the mezzanine at Eisenhower International Airport.

Nomination Details

  • The name, affiliation (if applicable), address, telephone number and e-mail address of the person making the nomination is required information on the form. The identity of nominators will remain proprietary.

  • A citation (40 words or less) which captures the essence of the achievement for which the nomination is being submitted is required.

  • Electronic submission must be prepared in a Microsoft Word or compatible format which can be opened electronically. Hard copies, submitted by mail may be sent as “backup” versions only after confirmed receipt of electronic versions.

  • Nominations can be submitted online here. The Wichita Aero Club Trophy Selection Committee will review the nominations and select a winner. The Trophy will be presented at the WAC Trophy Ball in January.

  • All nomination materials will become property of the WAC.