The NAA called Schenck “a visionary leader and selfless humanitarian” who is dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the heritage of America’s military veterans and supporting the next generation of pilots.

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The NAA established the award in 2019 to honor outstanding individuals for their contributions to aviation or aerospace in the United States and efforts to promote public appreciation of the sacrifices made by members of the military. Bruce Whitman, an aerospace executive and philanthropist, was named posthumously as the trophy’s first recipient in 2019. 

“No one cared more about our industry than Bruce Whitman,” said Jim Albaugh, NAA chair. “He dedicated his life to service, and I know Bruce would be honored to know that this year’s recipient of the Whitman Trophy is James Schenck. James is someone who contributed so much to our military and our nation.”

During his military career, Schenck flew Black Hawk helicopters in Korea and trained other US Army aviators as a night vision goggle instructor pilot. He served on the Army Staff in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans and later served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army.  Schenk received the Legion of Merit for his contribution to the Army by overseeing creation of the $453 million Army University Access Online educational initiative.

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Prior to working in the Pentagon, Schenck taught economics and finance at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1988. He is also a 1996 graduate of Harvard Business School. He has received several honors for his support of the military including the Association of the United States Army’s John W. Dixon Award and the National Military Family Association’s Military Family Champion Award.

“Deeply impacted by the failed Iranian hostage rescue mission on April 24, 1980, when eight American service members lost their lives, I have been steadfast from that date forward in my commitment to our men and women who serve,” Schenck said. “I am forever proud of my military service as an Army aviator, and for the millions of other veterans who have worn the uniform of our nation. We can never do enough for the men and women and their families who keep us free. I am honored to receive this prestigious award from the National Aeronautic Association.”

Schenck will be honored and receive the 2024 Whitman Award at an upcoming event. Previous recipients of the Whiteman Trophy include author and WASP advocate Erin Miller, the U.S. Golden Knights, and record-setting pilot and U.S. veteran Ross Perot Jr.

The post NAA Selects James Schenck to Receive Bruce Whitman Memorial Trophy appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

These trainers are being added to West Point’s current fleet, which consists of mostly Cessna 182 Skylanes and Cessna T-41s, the military version of a Cessna 172.

The 182s and T-41s will still be the main aircraft used for flight training. The new T206s will be utilized by instructors to teach cadets the fundamental laws of physics and aerodynamics. The flying laboratories will be used mostly by engineering students. 

“We are honored that the U.S. Military Academy has selected the Cessna 206 Turbo Stationair HD for aviation training,” said Textron Aviation vice president of special missions sales Bob Gibbs in a statement. “Customer faith in our products and trust in our company and our team are at the core of our relationship with military training academies worldwide.”

About the Aircraft

The Cessna T206 Stationair has a maximum range of 703 nm and a normal cruise speed of 161 kts. With a useful load of 1,441 lbs and a maximum of six passengers, the Cessna T206 allows for longer flights with more occupants than the 182 and T-41. 

Standard features include:

• Standard ADS-B Out and In
• Optional wireless data base and flight plan loading
• Standard Garmin electronic stability and protection (ESP) and under-speed protection (USP)
• Integrated VFR sectional charts
• IFR high and low en route charts with night mode
• Garmin Connext Iridium Satellite Services

The post West Point Accepts Delivery of Two New Trainers appeared first on FLYING Magazine.