Each year, the membership of the IAC nominates outstanding volunteers to be recognized for their contribution to the sport of aerobatics. The award winners are selected by a secret ballot of the IAC Board of Directors and the recipients were announced at the IAC annual gathering on Friday evening, July 24 in Oshkosh, WI at AirVenture.
Frank Price Cup – Margo Chase
The purpose of this award is to recognize the person who has contributed the most to the sport of aerobatics in the previous year. Margo Chase, a professional marketing and branding specialist, has spent hundreds of hours and devoted her skills and talents in developing a new "brand" for IAC beginning in 2015. Her design of logos, posters, clothing, and other apparel have improved the look and image of IAC and aerobatics. She has also been active in designing and ordering the uniforms for the US Aerobatic Teams and apparel and logos for the US National Aerobatic Championships in Texas. Last but not least, she has been instrumental in the upgrade and refurbishment of the IAC Pavilion in Oshkosh which serves as our headquarters during EAA AirVenture. Her design skills were instrumental in the planning and organization of the Pitts 70th Anniversary celebrations at AirVenture 2015.
Robert L. Heuer Award for Judging Excellence – Bill Denton
The trophy is presented annually to an IAC aerobatic judge for outstanding performance as a judge in competition aerobatics. Bill Denton has been actively involved in the sport of competitive aerobatics for over 30 years. He has been a top judge for several years at the US National Aerobatic Championships, judged for team selection, and this year he will travel to Chateauroux, France to serve on the judges’ panel at the WAC. He has been selected twice to judge at world championship (2014 WAAC and 2015 WAC) contests and assisted at another world championship contest. He has a great understanding of the technical aspects of judging and has always been fair and unbiased. Bill adds a lot to a judge’s line with his knowledge, honesty and humor. He consistently ranks among the best in terms of RI (ranking index). Bill's service to the IAC and FAI has been unwavering.
Kathy Jaffe Volunteer Award – Lynn Bowes
This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer who shows a remarkable spirit and enthusiasm for aerobatics and the aerobatic community. Lynn Bowes gives countless hours of her personal time for the betterment of the IAC. She is always willing to take time to help newcomers and the veteran members that need a helping hand. Her organizational skills and patience demonstrated as registrar of WAC was beyond amazing. It is a joy to watch her interact with the collegiate teams, as she encourages them along the way. She served the IAC, as a respected director and now carries out the duties of secretary with professionalism. If not serving as CD of her chapter contest, she works in any and all capacities, as needed. Lynn embodies the spirit of Kathy Jaffe through her unselfish and eager willingness to take on numerous responsibilities with a smile, constantly placing the needs of other above her own.
Harold E. Neumann Award for Outstanding Contribution as a Chief Judge – Sandy Langworthy
The family of Harold E. Neumann provided this permanent trophy to recognize an outstanding chief judge who is a person known for leadership qualities and fairness on the judges' line. Sandy Langworthy’s operational knowledge of IAC judging criteria allow for accurate identification and resolution of judging and safety issues. His contribution is significant since several of the contests he has attended are sponsored by newly formed IAC Chapters and Chapters that do not have a great number of certified judges among their memberships. Sandy has traveled significant miles in many directions to support IAC Chapter contests in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, New York, and Canada. In addition to his services as Chief Judge he has led efforts in placing a high priority on regional judging schools and dedicated meetings to evaluate Aresti sequences for submission as future knowns. He unfailingly supports the ethics promoted by the IAC.
Curtis Pitts Memorial Trophy – Bill Bainbridge, B&C Specialty Products
The purpose of this award is to recognize an outstanding contribution to aerobatics through product design. General guidelines are that this person or company is one that has created a product, or products, that has made a lasting impression on the world of aerobatics. Bill Bainbridge's ideas, products, and services have been a tremendous benefit to aerobatics specifically and experimental aircraft as a whole. The business began in 1980, building lightweight dependable parts for the home-built aircraft industry. Competition pilots looking to drop weight in their airplanes have looked to B&C for over 35 years. From their smaller lightweight alternator, oil filter adapter and advice on rewiring electrical systems for a higher level of safety, Bill Bainbridge and B&C demonstrate that they are dedicated to making an aerobatic pilot's life better with their products, service, and support.
