THE DONALD D. ENGEN AERO CLUB TROPHY FOR AVIATION EXCELLENCE
The Aero Club of Washington was originally founded to promote the Wright Brothers and their efforts. Their initial achievement defined aviation, established excellence as a standard and placed America in a role of global preeminence. The Aero Club seeks to commemorate the Wright Brothers’ historic actions by awarding an annual Trophy for Aviation Excellence.
In 1999, after the tragic death of Admiral Don Engen, director of the National Air & Space Museum at the time, the Aero Club Board voted to present the Trophy to Don Engen posthumously. It was accepted in October 1999 by his widow, Mary Engen. The Board had also voted to name the Trophy after Don Engen, and at that same luncheon, the Trophy became the “Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence.” The permanent Trophy resides in the National Air & Space Museum.
Engen Trophy nomination deadline: March 25, 2025
2024 Donald D. Engen Aero Club Trophy for Aviation Excellence Recipient: Mark Baker, President, AOPA
The Aero Club of Washington was honored to present the 2024 Engen Trophy to Mark Baker, President, AOPA at an Aero Club Luncheon on June 17, 2024.
Baker was honored for for his ambitious leadership and unwavering commitment to general aviation during his 11-year tenure leading AOPA, and for making aviation more accessible, innovative, and safe for every pilot who takes to the skies.
“Mark Baker is a passionate and tireless advocate for the general aviation community and has led several initiatives over the past decade that have advanced aviation safety and innovation, and made flying more accessible to more people,” said 2024 Aero Club President David Richardson.