On February 5, 2018 the National Aeronautic Association annouced the illustrious list of nominees for the greatest aviation achievement in America in 2017. Perlan Project was proud to be included in this prestigeous group. This is the Oscar of Aviation, there is no higher honor. Jack Pelton, Chairman and CEO of the Experimental Aviation Association and a NAA Distinguished Statesman in Aviation nominated Perlan Project based on it’s accomplishments in 2017.
“For more than a century, the Collier Trophy has recognized the ‘greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America,’ Greg Principato, President and CEO of NAA stated. “This year’s outstanding group of nominees represent the great depth and breadth of our aviation industry. Each is changing our world for the better. The Collier Selection Committee will have its work cut out for it this year and we at NAA couldn’t be more excited.” For a recap of all 2017 nominees see https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/collier-trophy-nominees-announced/
NAA press release continued: “Past winners include the crews of Apollo 11 and Apollo 8, the Mercury 7, Scott Crossfield, Elmer Sperry, Howard Hughes, and Orville Wright. Projects and programs which have been the recipient of the Collier include the B-52, the Boeing 747, the Cessna Citation, the F-22, and the International Space Station. The five most recent recipients of the Collier Trophy are the Blue Origin New Shepard Team; the NASA/JPL Dawn Mission Team; the Gulfstream G650; the Northrop Grumman, US Navy, and X-47B Industry Team; and the NASA/JPL Mars Curiosity Project Team.” For a 3 minute video about one hundred years of aviation Collier Trophy winners go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiXuss4lQOY
To my knowledge this is the first glider (not counting the Space Shuttle) that has been nominated for the Collier Trophy. My (admittedly biased) interpretation of the trophy is a man riding the global winds which could be an artistic view of the Polar Vortex. And there is a team of people supporting the man who is at the top of the globe – so apropos. Very Perlan-esque!!!
Perlan Soars High! Jackie
