The General Aviation Awards (GAA) honorees for 2026 have been chosen by the GAA board of directors in partnership with the FAA for contributions to the flying community in safety, flight instruction, and maintenance.
Here are this year’s recipients:
3 Professionals Honored With 2026 General Aviation Awards
GAA board and FAA recognize Mike Jesch, Mike Kloch, and Roger Whittier for their commitment to safety, instruction, and maintenance.
![The General Aviation Awards Class of 2026 has been named. [Credit: Shutterstock]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock_411061336-scaled-e1675969178864-1.jpg)
Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 General Aviation Awards honor three aviation professionals for their outstanding contributions to safety, flight instruction, and maintenance.
- Mike Jesch is recognized as the FAASTeam Representative of the Year for his dedication to promoting safety and pilot proficiency through various programs.
- Mike Kloch is named CFI of the Year for his extensive experience, particularly in Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) and flight testing.
- Roger Whittier receives the Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year award for his expertise in aircraft maintenance, specializing in owner-assisted inspections and developing training for aircraft owners.
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