2026-acsc-v2

ACSC’s Local Legacy: Preserving Aviation History and Inspiring the Next Generation

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 21:20:34 GMT

Celebrating ACSC’s enduring role in preserving Southern California’s aviation heritage and inspiring future generations.

For decades, the Aero Club of Southern California has helped preserve the region’s aviation heritage while supporting education, museums and opportunities for future aerospace and aviation leaders.

Southern California’s connection to aviation and aerospace runs deep, and the Aero Club of Southern California has long played a role in celebrating, preserving and advancing that legacy.

Through partnerships, volunteer leadership and community support, ACSC members have contributed to projects ranging from the Flight Path Walk of Fame near LAX to the Flight Path Museum, the Western Museum of Flight and, more recently, aviation education programs at Da Vinci Schools.

Celebrating Aviation Pioneers at the Flight Path

In 1994, the Flight Path was announced as a multi-year initiative envisioned as an aviation equivalent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Sepulveda Boulevard in Westchester. The project brought together ACSC, the Southern California Historical Aviation Foundation and the Westchester-LAX Chamber of Commerce.

The Flight Path Aviation Rotunda was dedicated in March 1995 by legendary test pilot General Chuck Yeager. Its original plaques honored nine aviation pioneers, including the Wright brothers, Donald Douglas, Glenn Martin, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes and John Northrop.

The Flight Path was further enhanced in 1996 with a 13-foot steel F-18 sculpture incorporating a P-51 Mustang cockpit. Today, 54 plaques along Sepulveda Boulevard recognize individuals whose achievements helped shape aviation history.

Helping Preserve Aviation History at LAX

The Flight Path Learning Center, now the Flight Path Museum LAX, was founded in 1995 to honor aviation pioneers and encourage young people to pursue aviation-related careers. In 2002, it received a permanent home in the historic LAX West Imperial Terminal and officially opened there in 2003.

The museum today includes an extensive airline uniform collection, the William A. Schoneberger Research Library, a Space Exploration Gallery and the restored 1941 Douglas DC-3 Spirit of ’76. It is also home to the Howard Hughes Memorial Trophy, on loan from ACSC, representing an award that has recognized leaders advancing aviation and space technology since 1978.

ACSC members including William A. Schoneberger, Nissen Davis, Agnes Huff and Jean-Christophe Dick have provided leadership and support to the museum over the years.

Supporting the Western Museum of Flight

ACSC's connection to preserving Southern California aviation history also extends to the Western Museum of Flight.

The museum traces its development to a volunteer effort begun in 1979 to restore a rare Northrop N-3PB Nomad. It eventually opened at Hawthorne Airport in 1985 before relocating to Zamperini Field in Torrance, where it reopened in 2007.

Its collection includes significant Southern California aircraft such as the Northrop YF-23A Black Widow II, Northrop YF-17 Cobra prototype and Grumman F-14A Tomcat, along with historic blueprints, photographs and hundreds of scale models.

In recent years, ACSC has also supported and promoted the museum’s Flight Test Day Camp, giving junior-high and high-school students interested in aerospace careers opportunities to explore military and prototype aircraft and learn about flight controls.

Inspiring the Next Generation at Da Vinci Schools

That commitment to aviation education continues today.

ACSC, the Flight Path Museum and the Western Museum of Flight sponsored the Da Vinci Schools’ annual Community Aviation Day, introducing young people to career opportunities throughout aviation and aerospace.

The relationship also includes two current ACSC Board members who are Da Vinci educators: Dr. Steve Wallis, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services and a co-founder of Da Vinci Schools, and Jessica Snyder, who launched the Aviation pathway at Da Vinci Connect High School through a dual-enrollment partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

A Legacy That Continues

From recognizing the pioneers who built Southern California’s aviation industry to preserving its history and introducing students to tomorrow’s aerospace and aviation careers, ACSC’s local presence reflects a mission that has continued across generations.

These partnerships demonstrate how preserving aviation history and investing in its future can go hand in hand—and how ACSC continues to help connect Southern California’s remarkable aerospace and aviation past with the people who will shape what comes next.

Research and historical information compiled by ACSC Board Member and Historian Mark Shoemaker.

ACSC Awards $175,000 in Scholarships to 21 Aviation & Aerospace Students

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 02:54:21 GMT

Celebrating 21 Outstanding Students and Investing $175,000 in the Future of Aviation and Aerospace

The Aero Club of Southern California proudly awarded $175,000 in scholarships to 21 outstanding students during its Annual Scholarship Award Dinner on June 26, 2026, held at Da Vinci Schools in El Segundo.

The evening celebrated the next generation of aviation, aerospace, engineering, and STEM professionals while bringing together Aero Club members, scholarship recipients, their families, donors, and supporters.

Each student had the opportunity to share their educational goals and career aspirations. Their passion, talent, and dedication made it clear that the future of aerospace is in excellent hands. The recipients were incredibly appreciative of the recognition and support provided through the Aero Club's scholarship program.

The Aero Club extends its sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the evening such a success. Special appreciation goes to Jessi for creating a beautiful venue, and to Suzanne and Julie for serving as outstanding presenters throughout the program. We also thank our volunteers, donors, members, and everyone who attended to support these remarkable students.

Congratulations to all 21 scholarship recipients. We look forward to following their achievements and welcoming everyone back next year for another inspiring evening.

ACSC to Honor Wahid Nawabi with the 47th Annual Howard Hughes Memorial Award

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:11:01 GMT

Honoring aerospace leader Wahid Nawabi with the 47th Annual Howard Hughes Memorial Award

Event Information

The Aero Club of Southern California (ACSC) invites aerospace professionals, industry leaders, and supporters to join us on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the historic California Club in Los Angeles as we celebrate Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President, and CEO of AeroVironment, Inc., as the recipient of the 47th Annual Howard Hughes Memorial Award.

Purchase Tickets:

https://e.givesmart.com/events/Pwa/

Read the Official Press Release:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aero-club-of-southern-california-to-award-wahid-nawabi-with-the-47th-annual-howard-hughes-memorial-award-302807423.html

The Aero Club of Southern California is proud to announce that Wahid Nawabi has been selected as the recipient of the 47th Annual Howard Hughes Memorial Award (HHMA), one of aerospace's most prestigious honors.

Presented annually by ACSC, the Howard Hughes Memorial Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, innovation, and lifetime achievements have significantly advanced aviation and aerospace. Past recipients include some of the industry's most influential pioneers and visionaries, including Neil Armstrong, Jim Lovell, General Chuck Yeager, Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, Neal Blue, and Elon Musk.

Nawabi joins this distinguished group following more than a decade of transformational leadership at AeroVironment. Since becoming CEO in 2016, he has guided the company through extraordinary growth, expanding its capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains while helping position AeroVironment as a global leader in defense and aerospace technology.

Under his leadership, AeroVironment has evolved from a pioneering unmanned aircraft company into a diversified defense technology leader. The company's innovations have supported some of the most significant aerospace achievements of the modern era, including contributions to NASA's Ingenuity helicopter, which achieved the first powered flight on another planet.

Born in Afghanistan, Nawabi immigrated to the United States after fleeing the Soviet-Afghan conflict as a teenager. He later earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland and has built a career defined by innovation, resilience, and service.

"Wahid's leadership and vision have evolved AeroVironment from a creator of historic, human-powered aircraft into a prominent supplier of battlefield-proven defense technology," said ACSC President Suzanne Fuentes. "His contributions have advanced aerospace technology while helping shape the future of unmanned systems and advanced robotics. We are honored to recognize his remarkable achievements with the 2026 Howard Hughes Memorial Award."

The Howard Hughes Memorial Award Gala brings together leaders from across aviation, aerospace, defense, government, and academia to celebrate excellence and recognize those whose achievements continue to shape the future of flight.

We look forward to honoring Wahid Nawabi and celebrating his extraordinary contributions to aerospace innovation and leadership.

Event Details

47th Annual Howard Hughes Memorial Award Gala

Honoree: Wahid Nawabi, Chairman, President & CEO, AeroVironment, Inc.

Date: Friday, October 23, 2026

Location: California Club, Los Angeles, California

Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities:

https://e.givesmart.com/events/Pwa/

Flight Test Day Camp Inspires the Next Generation of Aerospace Leaders

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:34:10 GMT

A Hands-On Introduction to Flight Testing and Aerospace Careers

Colonel Roy Martin USAF (Retired)

The Aero Club of Southern California is pleased to share an exciting educational opportunity for students interested in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and flight testing.

The Western Museum of Flight's Flight Test Day Camp will take place on June 24, 2026, at Torrance's historic Zamperini Field. This one-day immersive program introduces students to the world of flight testing through hands-on learning, aircraft exploration, and real-world aerospace experiences. Participants will learn about aircraft design, flight principles, aircraft systems, and the critical role flight test professionals play in advancing aviation technology.

Students will have the opportunity to explore military and prototype aircraft, view real flight test footage, and gain insight into aerospace careers from experienced industry professionals. The program is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage STEM education, and provide a firsthand look at the innovation that drives Southern California's aerospace legacy.

Programs like Flight Test Day Camp help connect young people with the rich aviation heritage of our region while introducing them to future career paths in aerospace, engineering, flight operations, and technology.

For registration information and event details, visit the Western Museum of Flight .

The Impossible Factory: A Look Inside Kelly Johnson and the Legendary Lockheed Skunk Works

Sun, 31 May 2026 23:48:53 GMT

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 • 7:00 PM • Join author Josh Dean and former Skunk Works Director Steve Justice for a fascinating look at Kelly Johnson, the legendary Lockheed Skunk Works, and the innovations that changed aviation history.

The Aero Club of Southern California is pleased to share an upcoming free public event that may be of particular interest to aviation, aerospace, and engineering enthusiasts.

On June 17, 2026, the Burbank Public Library will host The Impossible Factory , an evening centered around the new book The Impossible Factory: The Remarkable True Story of Kelly Johnson and the Lockheed Skunk Works: America’s Innovation Machine by author Josh Dean. The event will feature Dean in conversation with former Lockheed Martin Skunk Works Director Steve Justice, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore the history, innovation, and legacy of one of aerospace’s most influential organizations.

Kelly Johnson remains one of the most significant figures in aviation history and was honored by ACSC as the 1982 Howard Hughes Memorial Award recipient. His leadership and vision helped shape the Lockheed Skunk Works into a world-renowned center of aerospace innovation responsible for some of the most groundbreaking aircraft ever developed.

According to event organizers, much of Josh Dean’s research was conducted using the Kelly Johnson archives at The Huntington Library, helping bring new insight into Johnson’s remarkable career and the enduring impact of the Skunk Works program.

Event Details

�� Wednesday, June 17, 2026

�� 7:00 PM

�� Buena Vista Branch Library, Burbank, California

The event is free to attend, though registration is requested to help ensure adequate seating. Additional event details and registration information can be found here: The Impossible Factory – Burbank Public Library Event Registration

ACSC extends its thanks to Hubert Kozak and the Burbank Public Library for sharing this event with our membership and the broader Southern California aviation community.

ACSC Annual Scholarship Award Dinner on June 26, 2026

Thu, 28 May 2026 01:03:29 GMT

Honoring the Next Generation of Aviation, Aerospace, and STEM Leaders at ACSC’s Annual Scholarship Celebration

The Aero Club of Southern California (ACSC) is proud to host its Annual Scholarship Award Dinner on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Da Vinci Schools in El Segundo, California.

This special event celebrates exceptional students pursuing careers in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and related STEM disciplines while recognizing the importance of investing in the future of the aerospace and aviation industries.

Each year, ACSC scholarships help support promising students as they continue their education and pursue careers that will shape the future of flight, innovation, and technology. The Scholarship Award Dinner brings together students, educators, aerospace professionals, industry leaders, and supporters for an evening dedicated to mentorship, opportunity, and community.

��️ Tickets are $50 per person.

Guests are encouraged to embrace the evening’s tropical theme with luau attire as we celebrate the accomplishments of today’s students and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.

Event Details

�� Friday, June 26, 2026

�� 5:00 PM

�� Da Vinci Schools at 201 N Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245

The ACSC Scholarship Program reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting educational advancement and fostering the next generation of aerospace and aviation professionals.

We look forward to welcoming our scholarship recipients, families, sponsors, members, and guests for an exciting evening celebrating the future of aviation and aerospace.

Save the Date: ACSC Scholarship Award Dinner Returns June 26, 2026

Wed, 13 May 2026 16:46:08 GMT

Celebrating the next generation of aerospace and aviation leaders after a record-breaking 2025 scholarship year.

The Aero Club of Southern California is excited to announce the return of our Scholarship Award Dinner on June 26, 2026, celebrating the next generation of aerospace and aviation leaders.

Each year, this special evening brings together the aerospace and aviation community to recognize outstanding students pursuing their dreams across multiple pathways in aviation and aerospace, including:

✈️ High School Students beginning their journeys through STEM programs, aviation education, and flight training
�� University Students advancing in aerospace engineering, aviation management, maintenance, and related fields
��️ Private Pilot Students earning their wings and working toward careers in aviation

More than an awards ceremony, the Scholarship Award Dinner is a celebration of achievement, mentorship, dedication, and the continued growth of the future aerospace workforce. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and members, ACSC scholarships continue changing lives and helping students pursue their dreams of flight.

The 2026 event builds on the success of the 2025 Scholarship Awards Dinner at the Flight Path Museum & Learning Center, where the Aero Club awarded a record $210,000 in scholarships to 20 exceptional high school and university students, as well as educators dedicated to aerospace and aviation.

A special thank you again to the generous sponsors who made the 2025 scholarships possible, including HEICO, Gary Burdorf & Helicopter Technology Company, Sierra Nevada Corporation, the Marsha Toy Scholarship Endowment, all of the Howard Hughes Memorial Award sponsors and attendees, and General Atomics, who provided $30,000 university scholarships to both Sean Kerry and Darby Dermanoski.

We look forward to gathering once again with our members, partners, families, sponsors, and supporters for another inspiring evening recognizing excellence in aerospace and aviation education and training.

�� Date: June 26, 2026
�� Location: To Be Announced

ARTEMIS II LAUNCH — A MAJOR MILESTONE IN HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:00:04 GMT

First crewed Artemis mission returns humans to lunar orbit for the first time since 1972

NASA’s Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch on April 1 at 6:24 PM, marking the first crewed flight of the Artemis program. The mission will send four astronauts on an approximately 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth, launching from Kennedy Space Center. This historic flight will be the first time humans travel to the lunar vicinity since Apollo 17 in 1972. Following the mission, the crew is expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego. You can learn more about the mission directly from NASA here:   https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-ii/

Southern California’s Role in Artemis II

California plays a leading role in the Artemis program, with more than 16,000 employees across over 500 companies contributing to the mission. Southern California, in particular, is home to a number of key aerospace companies and specialized contractors supporting Artemis II.

Prime Contractors with Southern California Facilities

Aerojet Rocketdyne -  The Canoga Park facility leads development of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket engines, including upgrades and testing of the RS-25 engines powering the mission.
Northrop Grumman  - With a strong presence in Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and Manhattan Beach, these teams contribute critical engineering and components for the Orion launch abort system.
Lockheed Martin -  Teams in San Diego support recovery operations at sea following splashdown off the California coast.
Boeing  - Facilities in Huntington Beach and El Segundo contribute to SLS and Orion engineering efforts.

Regional Specialized Contractors

AMRO Fabricating Corp – Large, complex metallic structures for SLS and Orion
Karman Space & Defense – Key mission hardware components
Applied Composites – Advanced composite materials
Advanced Test Equipment Corp – Mission-critical testing hardware
Rayotek Scientific – Specialized glass and high-pressure viewing systems

NASA Centers Supporting the Mission

Jet Propulsion Laboratory – Deep space communication and navigation
NASA Dryden Flight Research Center – Aircraft-based tracking of Orion during reentry

Artemis II represents a major step forward in returning humans to deep space, and highlights the depth of innovation and collaboration across the aerospace community, particularly here in Southern California.

IMAGE CREDIT

NASA/Bill Ingalls

ACSC HONOREE NEAL BLUE RECOGNIZED BY SDBJ

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:08:02 GMT

HHMA Recipient J. Neal Blue Ranked #3 on San Diego Business Journal’s “Wealthiest San Diegans 2025” List

Aero Club of Southern California Congratulates J. Neal Blue on SDBJ Recognition

The Aero Club of Southern California is pleased to congratulate J. Neal Blue on being recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as #3 on its “Wealthiest San Diegans 2025” list, with an estimated net worth of $5.5 billion.

This recognition reflects more than financial success—it underscores a career of extraordinary leadership and long-term impact in aerospace, defense, energy innovation, and STEM education.

As Chairman and CEO of General Atomics, Mr. Blue has helped lead one of the most influential private technology companies in the country. The San Diego Business Journal article highlights General Atomics’ work in areas including:

Unmanned aircraft systems
Electromagnetic aircraft launch and recovery systems for the U.S. Navy
Hypersonic technologies
Fusion energy research, including major contributions to the DIII-D National Fusion Facility and ITER

The article also notes his role as co-founder and chairman of Cordillera Corporation, as well as the Blue family’s longstanding support of STEM education through the General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation and other educational philanthropy.

An HHMA Recipient

The Aero Club of Southern California was proud to honor J. Neal Blue with the Howard Hughes Memorial Award at our annual gala celebration in October at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. This award recognizes individuals whose work has made a significant impact on the aerospace industry.

Mr. Blue’s leadership, vision, and support of innovation exemplify the caliber of individuals the Aero Club seeks to recognize and celebrate.

We extend our congratulations to Mr. Blue on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his continued contributions to aerospace and the broader scientific community.