Tag: AIAA Awards

Boston Logan International Airport Wins Prestigious 2025 Jay Hollingsworth Speas Airport Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 6, 2025 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) congratulates Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) as the winner of the 2025 Jay Hollingsworth Speas Airport Award for designing new low-noise flight procedures to actively reduce aviation noise impacts around the airport while also providing a reduction in fuel burn.

The Jay Hollingsworth Speas Airport Award honors an individual or individuals judged to have contributed most significantly in recent years to the enhancement of relationships between airports and/or heliports and other surrounding environments via exemplary innovation that might be replicated elsewhere. The award is cosponsored by AIAA, the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), and the Airport Consultants Council (ACC).

“The Award Committee is pleased to recognize the excellent collaborative work by MIT and Massport to reduce aircraft noise for residents under Boston Logan International Airport approach paths while simultaneously reducing fuel burn and distance traveled,” said R. Dixon “Dirk” Speas Jr., brother of Jay Hollingsworth Speas in whose memory the award was established 40 years ago by their father, R. Dixon Speas. “It is our hope that other airports and communities will benefit from the methodologies utilized.”

The following representatives from the collaborating organizations will accept the award during the awards luncheon on 13 March at the 2025 AAAE/ACC Airport Planning, Design, and Construction Symposium in San Antonio, Texas:

R. John Hansman, T. Wilson Professor of Aeronautics & Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Flavio Leo, Director of Aviation Planning and Strategy, Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport)
Jacqueline Huynh, Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California Irvine
Sandro Salgueiro, Airspace Integration Engineer, SkyGrid

Over the last decade, improvements to aircraft navigation technology have allowed departing and arriving aircraft to follow highly precise routes in the sky. These new routes, known as Area Navigation (RNAV) flight procedures, were implemented at BOS between 2012 and 2013 and have allowed aircraft to navigate more efficiently and predictably in the airspace around Boston. However, this shift to more precise navigation has had the side effect of concentrating aircraft trajectories over specific neighborhoods, leading to a perceived increase in aviation noise for affected communities. After the implementation of RNAV procedures, the number of noise complaints received annually by the airport increased, with complaint locations correlating strongly with RNAV tracks.

In response, in 2016, a three-way collaboration was started between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Massport, and MIT to identify potential modifications to the then-current departure and arrival procedures at BOS that could mitigate the impacts of high flight track concentrations. In collaboration with Massport and the FAA, Professor John Hansman and graduate students at the MIT International Center for Air Transportation (ICAT) led outreach to communities and technical development of potential procedure modifications. Over a period of six years, ICAT investigated several technical solutions for mitigating aircraft noise.

Following extensive collaboration with community groups and operational stakeholders, four new low-noise flight procedures were submitted to the FAA for implementation. Now deployed operationally, these procedures are actively reducing aviation noise impacts around BOS while also providing a reduction in fuel burn.

About AAAE
Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world’s largest professional organization representing the individuals who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE’s 10,000 members represent over 960 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program. aaae.org

About ACC
The Airport Consultants Council (ACC) is the global trade association that represents private businesses involved in the development and operation of airports and their related facilities. Part of ACC’s mission is to inform its members of new trends while promoting fair competition and procurement practices that protect the industry’s bottom line. acconline.org

About AIAA
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries, and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit aiaa.org, and follow AIAA on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Media Contacts

AAAE
Molly Balkam, Manager, Marketing
[email protected]
703.797.2539 | 301.787.1605

ACC
T. J. Schulz, President
[email protected]
703-344-6792

AIAA
Rebecca Gray, Director, Communications
[email protected]
804-397-5270 cell

Pittsburgh International Airport Microgrid Wins Prestigious 2024 Jay Hollingsworth Speas Airport Award for Environmental Innovation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Award recognizes innovative microgrid project as PIT leads industry’s sustainability efforts

February 28, 2024 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) congratulates Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) as the winner of the 2024 Jay Hollingsworth Speas Airport Award for the creation of its cost-saving and emissions-reducing airport microgrid project.

Paul Hoback, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, and John Bevilacqua, Electrical Engineering Project Manager, at Pittsburgh International Airport, will accept the 2024 Jay Hollingsworth Speas Airport Award during the awards luncheon on 6 March at the 2024 AAAE/ACC Airport Planning, Design, and Construction Symposium in Salt Lake City, Utah.

PIT’s first-of-its-kind airport microgrid became fully operational in summer 2021, providing a complete electric power source for the PIT terminal and campus in the event of an outage that affects the traditional grid – propelling the airport into a world leadership role in the transition to clean energy.

Built in partnership with People’s Natural Gas, IMG Energy Solutions and CNX, the microgrid is fueled by natural gas and nearly 10,000 solar panels built atop a capped landfill, land otherwise unusable for development. PIT is planning to double the size of the solar array in the future. By utilizing cleaner energy, the microgrid provides a yearly carbon reduction of more than 6 million pounds and saved the airport and its partners more than $1 million annually. The microgrid was built at no cost to the airport, constructed and funded entirely by private sources.

The unique system is inspiring change across the world, drawing numerous international delegations eager to see it in operation during the first-ever Global Clean Energy Action Forum, which was held in Pittsburgh in 2022. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is now examining its utilization of capped landfill space as part of a review of other similar opportunities to redevelop land.

PIT’s microgrid has been studied by government and business leaders from around the world as PIT has hosted several airports and airlines to examine the facility. Airports in the country have since announced their own microgrid plans while others are examining similar options. The microgrid makes PIT one of the most resilient airports in the world while significantly increasing sustainability. The project has received several national and local awards and has been written about extensively in both local and national press, including Forbes magazine.

About Pittsburgh International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) serves approximately 10 million passengers annually and is a key economic driver for the region, reflecting and serving the community, inspiring the industry, and advancing the region’s role as a world leader. PIT’s new terminal, scheduled to open in 2025, will transform the passenger experience and showcase the region’s thriving economy as its new front door. PIT has recently won numerous international awards including being named by Fast Company magazine as One of the Most Innovative Companies in the World as well as a finalist in Accessible Design. Future Travel Experience named PIT a winner in its Pioneer innovation awards, and PIT’s first-of-its-kind microgrid has garnered numerous accolades for resiliency and sustainability. For more information visit www.flypittsburgh.com.

Media Contacts

AAAE
Molly Balkam, Manager, Marketing
[email protected]
703.797.2539 | 301.787.1605

ACAA
Bob Kerlik, Director, Public Affairs
[email protected]
412-472-3557

ACC
T. J. Schulz, President
[email protected]
703-344-6792

AIAA
Rebecca Gray, Director, Communications
[email protected]
804-397-5270 cell

2021 Durand Lectureship for Public Service Awarded to David W. Thompson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lecture will be Delivered During 2021 AIAA SciTech Forum

January 7, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the 2021 AIAA Durand Lectureship for Public Service is awarded to David W. Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer (retired) of Orbital ATK, Inc. Thompson will deliver his lecture, “The History and Prospects of Commercial Space Activity,” on Tuesday, 12 January, at 1200 hrs ET, during the 2021 AIAA SciTech Forum, to be held virtually 11–15 and 19–21 January. Register here.

“The hallmark of the AIAA SciTech Forum is the sharing of ideas, successes and failures that drive the aerospace industry to improve life on Earth,” said Daniel Dumbacher, AIAA executive director. “AIAA members are known for their collaborative spirit as we work together to push the boundaries to make the next technological leap. This lecture is sure to inspire students and professionals to find fresh directions and ideas for their work.”

The Durand Lectureship for Public Service, named in honor of William F. Durand, Ph.D., is presented for notable achievements by a scientific or technical leader whose contributions have led directly to the understanding and application of the science and technology of aeronautics and astronautics for the betterment of mankind.

Durand was a United States naval officer and a pioneer in mechanical engineering. During his remarkable 99-year life, Durand contributed significantly to the development of aircraft propellers. He was the first civilian chair of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics or NACA, the forerunner of NASA.

The Institute’s Public Policy Committee takes pride in selecting accomplished leaders in aeronautics and astronautics for this honor who can share their knowledge through the Durand Lecture for Public Service.

This year’s recipient, David W. Thompson, is the former President and CEO of Orbital ATK, Inc. and a cofounder of one of its predecessors, Orbital Sciences Corporation. He led the company for 36 years, from its establishment in 1982 until its acquisition by Northrop Grumman in 2018. During that time, the company developed and produced more than 1,000 rockets and spacecraft and grew to be a Fortune 500-class enterprise.

Thompson is an Honorary Fellow of AIAA and served as its president for the 2009–2010 term. He holds degrees in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and California Institute of Technology and in business from Harvard University.

For more information about the AIAA Honors and Awards program, contact Patricia A. Carr at [email protected].

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804.397.5270.

AIAA Recognizes Excellence in Aerospace with Awards to be Presented During the 2021 AIAA SciTech Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 6, 2021 – Reston, Va. – The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is pleased to announce the winners of awards to be presented during the 2021 AIAA SciTech Forum, to be held virtually 11–15 and 19–21 January. The Awards Ceremony to fully recognize these award winners is set for Wednesday, 20 January at 1630 hrs ET. The Awards Ceremony is free virtual event. Visit the 2021 AIAA SciTech Recognition page for more information.

“We are proud to recognize these exemplary professionals for their accomplishments in the aerospace profession, outstanding merit, and contributions to the art, science, or technology of aeronautics or astronautics. They motivate and inspire us,” said Daniel Dumbacher, AIAA executive director. “The AIAA community is fueled by visionaries, technological leaders, and accomplished professionals like those recognized here, all working together to build a better world.”

In addition to these awards, AIAA Sustained Service Awardees, best professional and student papers winners, and student paper competition winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony.

For more information about the AIAA Honors and Awards program, contact Patricia A. Carr at [email protected].

Education Awards

Abe M. Zarem Graduate Award for Distinguished Achievement in Aeronautics
The Zarem Award was established by AIAA and Dr. Abe Zarem as a means for students pursuing advanced degrees (master’s level candidates) in aeronautics to showcase their talent and work.

Nathan T. Crane, Georgia Institute of Technology
Paper titled,“Preliminary Active Subspace Investigation of a Commercial Supersonic Design Space”

Abe M. Zarem Educator Award in Aeronautics
The faculty advisor of the student winner of the Zarem Award for Distinguished Achievement (Aeronautics) is recognized for his role in guiding and mentoring the student.

Dimitri Mavris, Georgia Institute of Technology, Advisor to Nathan T. Crane

Abe M. Zarem Graduate Award for Distinguished Achievement in Astronautics
The Zarem Student Award was established by AIAA and Dr. Abe Zarem as a means for students pursuing advanced degrees (master’s level candidates) in astronautics to showcase their talent and work.

Aaron Afriat and Sandeep Baskar, Purdue University
Paper titled, “Atmospheric Breathing Solid-Fuel Ramjet for Martian Descent Missions”

Abe M. Zarem Educator Award in Astronautics
The faculty advisor of the student winner of the Zarem Award for Distinguished Achievement (Astronautics) is recognized for his role in guiding and mentoring the student.

Stephen Heister, Purdue University, Advisor to Aaron Afriat and Sandeep Baskar

2020 AIAA-ASEE J. Leland Atwood Award
This award recognizes a recent outstanding educational achievement and encourages innovative improvements in aerospace education.

Byron D. Tapley, University of Texas at Austin
For the lasting influence of his recent contributions to aerospace engineering education.

Publication Awards

2021 AIAA Children’s Literature Award
This award is presented for an outstanding, significant, and original book in aeronautics and astronautics published within the last two years.

Billie Holladay Skelley, Goldminds Publishing, Amphorae Publishing
Ruth Law: The Queen of the Air

2021 AIAA Gardner-Lasser Aerospace History Literature Award
The award is presented for the best original contribution to the field of aeronautical or astronautical non-fiction literature published in the last five years dealing with the science, technology, and/or impact of aeronautics or astronautics on society.

Slava Gerovitch, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Soviet Space Mythologies: Public Images, Private Memories, andthe Making of a Cultural Identity

2021 AIAA Pendray Aerospace Literature Award
This award is presented for an outstanding contribution or contributions to aeronautical and astronautical literature in the relatively recent past.

Tim C. Lieuwen, Georgia Institute of Technology
For outstanding contributions to the development of aerospace literature in combustion and propulsion, particularly in unsteady combustor physics, gas turbine emissions, and synthesis gas combustion.

2021 AIAA Summerfield Book Award
The award is presented to the author of the best book recently published (within the last five years) by AIAA.
John D. Anderson, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
Hypersonic and High-Temperature Gas Dynamics, Third Edition

Service Award

2021 AIAA Diversity and Inclusion Award
This award recognizes an individual or group within AIAA who has devoted time and effort and made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity and inclusion within the Institute.

Dexter Johnson, NASA Glenn Research Center
For your significant contributions to advancing diversity and inclusion within the aerospace and astronautics community through your AIAA collaborations with students and industry partners.

Technical Awards

2020 AIAA Aerodynamics Award
This award is presented for meritorious achievement in the field of applied aerodynamics, recognizing notable contributions in the development, application, and evaluation of aerodynamic concepts and methods.

Mark D. Maughmer, Pennsylvania State University
For foundational developments in airfoil and wing design, advancement of novel airfoil configurations, and contributions to rotorcraft aeromechanics.

2020 AIAA Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Award
This awardis presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to the development and/or application of techniques of multidisciplinary design optimization in the context of aerospace engineering.

Raymond M. Kolonay, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
For visionary leadership in the MDO community and development of nonlinear unsteady aeroelastic optimization methods and collaborative/distributed architectures enabling large-scale multidisciplinary aircraft design.

2020 AIAA Propellants & Combustion Award
This award is is presented for outstanding technical contributions to aeronautical or astronautical combustion engineering.

Meredith B. Colket, III, United Technologies Research Center (retired)
For pioneering contributions in the development of endothermic fuels leading to demonstration of the X-51 and coordinating technology programs supporting certification of alternative jet fuels.

2021 AIAA Ashley Award for Aeroelasticity
This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the understanding and application of aeroelastic phenomena.

Eli Livne, University of Washington
For carrying out foundational works for aeroservoelastic optimization; leadership in maturing active flutter suppression to practice; and for major contributions to dissemination of aeroelastic knowledge.

2021 AIAA-ASC James H. Starnes Jr. Award
This award recognizes significant contribution to and demonstrated promotion of the field of structural mechanics over an extended period of time emphasizing practical solutions, and acknowledges high professionalism and the strong mentoring of and influence on colleagues, especially younger colleagues.

David Bushnell, Lockheed Martin Corporation (retired)
For pioneering contributions to the analysis and design of thin-shell structures and enduring leadership in the application and preservation of that knowledge for future generations.

2021 AIAA Information Systems Award
This award recognizes outstanding technical and/or management contributions in space and aeronautics computer, sensing, and fusion aspects of information technology and science.

Erik P. Blasch, Air Force Office of Scientific Research
For technical leadership and innovation in information fusion systems for avionics, space situational awareness, and airborne sensing

2021 AIAA Mechanics and Control of Flight Award
This award is presented for an outstanding recent technical or scientific contribution by an individual in the mechanics, guidance, or control of flight in space or the atmosphere.

Fred Y. Hadaegh, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
For extraordinary contributions for advances in the theory, computation, and implementation of autonomous guidance, navigation, and control of single and distributed spacecraft systems.

Media contact: Rebecca B. Gray, [email protected], 804.397.5270