Kathryn Hughes Receives the National Aeronautical Association's 2025 Stinson Award

Kathryn Hughes Receives the National Aeronautic Association's 2025 Stinson Award

At the National Aeronautic Association Awards Dinner on November 5, 2026, our fellow Ninety-Nine, Dr. Kathy Hughes, was honored with the prestigious Stinson Award, recognizing exceptional contributions to aviation and carrying forward the legacy of pioneering aviators Katherine and Marjorie Stinson. The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is a founding member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).  Among its many missions, it sanctions, documents, and certifies national and international aviation and space records as well as honoring monumental contributions to aerospace advancement by presenting the industry’s most historic awards.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Dr. Hughes logged more than 3,000 military flight hours during her 26-year Air Force career. While serving as a pilot, she completed medical school and became the Air Force's first female Pilot-Physician, combining her expertise in aviation and medicine to advance pilot safety and human performance.

Since retiring from military service in 2016, Dr. Hughes has continued her dedication to aviation as an FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner, occupational medicine physician, and safety consultant. Her remarkable career reflects a lifelong commitment to service, innovation, and the well-being of pilots everywhere.

We congratulate Kathy on this well-deserved honor and are proud to count her among our Ninety-Nines sisters.

The picture includes Kathy with several Ninety-Nines in attendance:  Maria Esparraguera, Kathy Hughes, Lin Caywood, Amy Hoover and Laura Savino.