Award categories include:

Aviation Professional of the Year: Presented to a deserving professional in the area of technological research, innovation, airport management, airport construction or maintenance, airport design, aviation safety, aviation policy, and customer-focused aviation business operations. The awardee must be actively employed or voluntarily serving in an aviation-related role in Michigan.

Aviator of the Year Award: Presented to a deserving pilot/aviator in the area of technological research, innovation, aviation safety, aviation policy, and customer-focused aviation business operations. The awardee must be an active pilot in good standing in Michigan.

Aviation Educator of the Year Award: Presented in recognition of outstanding contribution to the future of the aviation industry by preparing students for success in an aviation-related career. The awardee must be an aviation educator, flight instructor, flight school, or similar educator. 

Aviation Student of the Year Award: Presented in recognition of an aviation student, enrolled at a Michigan school, for demonstrating leadership, service, and dedication to advancing their education in an aviation trade. The awardee must be an actively enrolled student in an aviation or aviation-related program or have graduated from an aviation or aviation-related program within the last calendar year.

General Aviation Airport of the Year: Presented for demonstrated excellence in support of a local community or the State of Michigan by demonstrating a significant positive economic impact on a community and/or the aviation workforce through investment in infrastructure, human capital, or community relations. This award will be presented to both a General Aviation and Commercial Service airport. The awardee must be an airport in Michigan.

Consultant of the Year: Presented for demonstrated excellence in their field/projects and shown significant support to their airports. The awardee must be a consultant working with airports in Michigan.

Project of the Year: Presented for development and/or design of a significant airport project which enhances community and economic benefit as well promotes sustainability and environmental benefit for the future. The awardee must be a project at a Michigan airport completed or nearing completion within the past calendar year.

Community Involvement Award: Presented to an airport or aviation-related group/school/committee for taking an active role in their community by engaging the public in airport activities and promoting aviation awareness. The awardee must be an airport/group/school/committee based in Michigan.

Media Award: Presented to a member of the Michigan aviation community or Michigan media for promoting aviation in the news and/or on social media, bringing positive attention and focus to economic impacts and community improvements through aviation-related initiatives. The awardee must be based in Michigan.

Please email your nominations to Karin Palmer at [email protected] by January 7, 2026.

Help us celebrate the people, projects, and partnerships that are shaping the future of aviation in Michigan!

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!