The IAC is pleased to offer its congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 non-flying awards, listed below, and to the 2025 aerobatic hall of fame inductee, Mike Goulian.
2025 Non-Flying Awards Winners:
- Frank Price Cup - Mary Beth Rudd
- Harold E. Neumann Award - DJ Molny
- Robert L. Heuer Award - Gordon Penner
- Curtis Pitts Cup - Paulo Iscold
- Kathy Jaffe Award - Monique Hartmann
Frank Price Cup for Greatest Overall Contribution: Mary Beth Rudd
The purpose of this annual award is to recognize the person who has contributed the most to the sport of aerobatics in a calendar year. The award was conceived and donated by R. J. Rouse of Texas. It was created to recognize outstanding individuals in aerobatics and in honor of aerobatic pioneer Frank Price, the first American to compete in the World Aerobatic Championships.
Harold E. Neumann Award for Outstanding Contribution as a Chief Judge: DJ Molny
In honor of Harold E. Neumann, this award is given annually for outstanding contribution as a Chief Judge during a calendar year. Harold E. Neumann was a Collier Aviation Trophy recipient, Thompson Trophy Race winner, and an active IAC competitor and judge until well into his 70's.
Robert L. Heuer Award for Judging Excellence: Gordon Penner
Member Sam Burgess of San Antonio, Texas conceived the idea for presenting a trophy to the most outstanding aerobatic judge each year. The Award is given annually for outstanding performance as an aerobatic judge during the calendar year.
Curtis Pitts Memorial Trophy: Paulo Iscold
This award was donated by the Pitts family in the memory of Curtis Pitts. From the first design called the “Little Stinker” in 1944 to the Model 14 designed just before his death in 2005, Curtis Pitts was one of the most prolific aircraft designers in aviation history. His designs, and their descendants, forever changed the world of aerobatics.
Kathy Jaffe Award for Outstanding Volunteer: Monique Hartmann
This award recognizes an outstanding volunteer during a calendar year. The award was donated in memory of Kathleen Jaffe, whose spirit and enthusiasm for aerobatics and its community was truly remarkable. She was president of IAC Chapter 52, contest director, and competition pilot. She died in 1999.
2025 IAC Hall of Fame Inductee: Mike Goulian
The International Aerobatic Hall of Fame was formed in 1986 to give appropriate recognition to those who have made a significant contribution to aerobatics. The following year, Jose Aresti, Duane Cole, Curtis Pitts and Frank Price became the first inductees to receive this prestigious honor. In subsequent years, Marion Cole, Mike Murphy, Betty Skelton Frankman, Bob Heuer, Bevo Howard, Harold Krier, Lincoln Beachey, Bob Herendeen, Charlie Hillard, Art Scholl, Mary Gaffaney, Leo Loudenslager, Clint McHenry and Neil Williams gained this distinction as well. A place of honor is set aside in the atrium of the EAA museum, in Oshkosh, to recognize their accomplishments. You can view a complete list of all Aerobatic Hall of Fame inductees here.
