The Federal Aviation Administration announced Thursday that the 2027 General Aviation Awards (GAA) nominations are closing soon.

The awards aim to recognize individual aviation professionals in three categories: certificated flight instructor, aviation maintenance technician, and FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) representative. The organization is accepting nominations from Sept. 1 through midnight Nov. 30.

Lauretta Webb, board chair of the GAA, told Wingman in an email Friday the award program was founded in 1962 and is a unique collaboration between the aviation industry and the FAA.

“Over the years, many deserving and frankly, incredible aviators have been recognized for their contributions primarily in their local aviation communities,” Webb said. “That’s what sets this award program apart – it seeks out aviators and mechanics whose passion for aviation safety, education and community comes naturally.”

The GAA committee seeks to recognize those unsung heroes whose passion for aviation is making a positive impact in their communities, the release said, adding that nominating someone is a meaningful way to give back to the individuals who keep local general aviation thriving.

The 2026 national honorees were Mike “Cuckoo” Kloch of Bend, Oregon, for National CFI of the Year, Roger Whittier of Phoenix, Arizona, for National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year, and Mike Jesch of Orange, California, for National FAASTeam Representative of the Year.

Applicants must meet a series of eligibility criteria and submit a single signed PDF application package, according to the organization. Multiple PDF documents will be returned. The GAA allows individuals to submit an application for themselves or nominate someone else.

FAASTeam program managers are scheduled to judge district nominees Dec. 1 through 31 and will announce district honorees Jan. 8. The FAA will select national finalists Jan. 29, followed by national judging by industry representatives Feb. 1 through 19. The GAA will announce district honorees to the general aviation community Feb. 22 and national honorees March 1. The published schedule is subject to change, according to the organization.