The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has announced the winner of its R. A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy. Legendary actor and passionate aviator Harrison Ford, who received the award last year, will present the trophy to Clay Lacy at an event on March 20. Lacy’s legacy in aviation is not likely to be matched. He has flown more than 300 aircraft types and logged more than 50,000 hours during his lifelong aviation career. He has flown as a flight instructor, military pilot, United Airlines captain, experimental test pilot, air racer, aerial cinematographer and business aviation entrepreneur. Lacy has set 29 world speed records.
Clay founded Clay Lacy Aviation more than five decades ago. The company, which provides FBO services, aircraft management, maintenance, sales and charter services, operates 107 jet airplanes and employs about 500 people. Clay Lacy Aviation operates two FBOs at the Van Nuys Airport (KVNY), in the Los Angeles area and Boeing Field (KBFI) in Seattle. This month, the company opened a new 24/7 MRO facility at KVNY, which is capable of accommodating 15 large-cabin business jets.
The R.A. “Bob” Hoover trophy has been awarded three times: the first to Hoover himself before his death in 2017, the second to aerobatic performer Sean D. Tucker, and the third to Harrison Ford.
Two additional awards will be handed out during the March 20 event. Foreflight’s Tyson Weihs and Jason Miller will receive the General Aviation Safety Award, Kansas’ State Senator Jerry Moran will receive AOPA’s Hartranft Award and Hawaii’s State Senator Kai Kahele will receive AOPA’s Sharples award.
