PAST EVENTS
HOWARD HUGHES MEMORIAL AWARD
The Howard Hughes Memorial Award, established in 1978, is given annually by the Aero Club of Southern California to an aerospace leader whose career has greatly advanced aviation or space technology. Created by Hughes' cousin, William R. Lummis, the award recognizes 45 notable recipients from the aerospace industry.
The trophy, located at the Flight Path Learning Center & Museum at LAX, features a globe and vehicle sculpture with recipients' names. Each honoree receives a solid silver medallion made from silver sourced from Hughes’ Nevada mines, depicting him during his Flying Boat era. The reverse side illustrates various aspects of his life, including a drilling bit, a film reel, a landing falcon, Nevada, the earth with stars representing his achievements, the first communications satellite, and the Flying Boat.
A DAY AT EDWARDS: CENTURY AIRCRAFT CIRCLE, TEST FORCES & MORE
In June 2025, the Aero Club of Southern California hosted a guided day trip to the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base. Attendees traveled by charter bus from The Proud Bird to Edwards for a behind-the-scenes visit that included stops at Century Aircraft Circle and the Flight Test Museum site, briefings and aircraft viewing with the Fighter Aircraft Test Forces (F-16, F-22, and F-35, subject to availability), and lunch at Club Muroc (included with the ticket). The afternoon continued with visits to the B-1 and KC-46 Test Forces before returning to Los Angeles in the early evening.
COMMUNITY AVIATION DAY AT DA VINCI SCHOOLS - MARCH 22, 2025
Photo highlights from Community Aviation Day at Da Vinci Schools, where families explored aviation through hands-on activities and conversations with local aviation and military partners.