Barron Hilton and Elon Musk honoured with the highest FAI awards

Thursday, 16 December 2010 16:10

Aeronautic and astronautic figures Barron Hilton and Elon Musk have been presented with prestigious FAI awards by FAI President Dr. John Grubbström at the recent NAA 2010 Fall Awards Banquet.

While Barron Hilton has been honoured with the FAI Gold Air Medal, Elon Musk received the FAI Gold Space Medal. These Medals are the highest FAI awards and are reserved for those who have contributed greatly to the development of aeronautics by their activities, work, achievements, initiative or devotion to the cause of Aviation and Space. 2010 Musk accept with Grubbstrom Gold Space Medal

Barron Hilton, world-renowned for owning the Hilton Hotel chain, is regarded by some as the “Patron Saint” of Aviation, has been a strong financial and inspirational supporter of aviation progress for more than 60 years.

Elon Musk is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SpaceX, the company that created the first privately developed rocket to deliver a commercial satellite into earth orbit.

Read the full award citations for Barron Hilton and Elon Musk on the Awards page.

General Awards

FAI medals and diplomas aim at giving public recognition to those who have made outstanding contributions to aeronautics and astronautics, especially in the field of sporting aviation. They are awarded each year at the Opening Ceremony of the annual FAI General Conference. Many of the recipients honoured have had their names closely associated with the history and developments of aeronautics and astronautics.

Individual Awards

The awards are to reward individuals for their contributions or achievements in the individual disciplines of airsports. FAI medals and diplomas aim at giving public recognition to those who have made outstanding contributions to aeronautics and astronautics, especially in the field of sporting aviation. They are awarded each year at the Opening Ceremony of the annual FAI General Conference.