10th Anniversary
R.A. “Bob” Hoover Reception
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
National Air and Space Museum
Washington, DC
For ten years, the R. A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy has recognized rare leaders in aviation. Individuals whose mastery is matched by humility. Whose influence is measured not just by achievement, but by how many others they lift along the way.
The 10th Anniversary Hoover Trophy Reception will bring together leaders, innovators, advocates, and policymakers to celebrate those who continue to strengthen general aviation and inspire the next generation.
Hosted at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., this invitation-only reception takes place in one of the most iconic aviation settings in the world, a fitting backdrop for honoring a legacy that helped shape aviation as we know it.
Registration is now open.
With 28,000 hours logged in more than 363 types of aircraft, Barry Schiff has received worldwide recognition for his wide-ranging aeronautical accomplishments. He was a rated Airline Transport Pilot at 21, and has earned every FAA category and class rating (except airship) and every possible instructor's rating. Capt. Schiff retired from Trans World Airlines in 1998 after a 34-year career during which he flew everything from the Lockheed Constellation to the Boeing 747 and was a check captain on the Boeing 767.
He holds five world speed records (one captured from the Soviet Union) and has received numerous honors for his many contributions to aviation safety. These include a Congressional Commendation, the Louis Bleriot Air Medal (France), Switzerland's Gold Proficiency Medal, an honorary doctorate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and AOPA's L. P. Sharples Perpetual Award. Capt. Schiff has also been inducted into the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame and the EAA/NAFI National Flight Instructors' Hall of Fame, and was elected as an Elder Statesman of Aviation by the National Aeronautic Association. In January 2012, he was inducted as a Living Legend of Aviation.
An award-winning journalist and author, he is well known to flying audiences for his numerous books and more than 1,800 articles published in 111 aviation magazines, notably AOPA Pilot, of which he is currently a contributing editor. Many of his articles discuss personally developed concepts, procedures, and techniques that have received international acclaim.
Schiff also developed and worked to have the concept of providing general aviation pilots with safe VFR routes through high-density airspace adopted. In 1995, with the direct approval of Jordanian King Hussein and Israeli Prime Minister Itzhak Rabin, Schiff contributed to the Middle East peace process by leading a formation of 35 airplanes carrying 135 Americans, Israelis, and Jordanians from Jerusalem to Amman. As a result, he became the first pilot ever allowed to fly between those countries.
These credentials have not diminished his passion for flying lightplanes, which he has used to span oceans and continents. He continues to investigate and report to the aviation community various aspects of proficiency and safety, and remains a vigorous and outspoken advocate for general aviation.
For decades, Mike Busch has been a trusted voice in aircraft maintenance, known for bringing clarity, common sense, and empowerment to pilots and mechanics alike. A certificated A&P with IA, flight instructor, pilot, author, and lifelong teacher, he has helped thousands understand not just how to maintain an aircraft, but why it matters.
For decades, Mike Busch has been a trusted voice in aircraft maintenance, known for bringing clarity, common sense, and empowerment to pilots and mechanics alike. A certificated A&P with IA, flight instructor, pilot, author, and lifelong teacher, he has helped thousands understand not just how to maintain an aircraft, but why it matters.
He co-founded AVweb and later founded Savvy Aviation, transforming general aviation maintenance through a data-driven, condition-based approach that improves safety while reducing unnecessary cost. Through his AOPA Pilot Savvy Maintenance column, webinars, podcasts, and best-selling books, Mike has educated an entire generation—fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and informed decision-making.
Named the FAA’s National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year in 2008, Mike’s lasting impact comes from his unwavering commitment to education and advocacy for everyday pilots. For more than 50 years, he has bridged the gap between pilots, mechanics, and regulators—uniting science and common sense in the pursuit of safer flying.
Fraser, who immigrated to the U.S. as a youth, has dedicated his life to fostering career pathways in the aviation industry. Significant achievements include the formation of the Trowell-Harris Chapter of the national Tuskegee Airmen organization, for which he served as acting president for 25 years, and the creation of the Lt. Lee Archer Jr. Youth Flying Program, an aviation ground school for middle and high school students that offers three hours of classroom instruction once a week. Fraser recently launched the RedTail Flight Academy, which focuses on training minority flight students for future airline employment.
In addition to his educational initiatives, Fraser has established a permanent scholarship fund through fundraising efforts. His scholarship program awards $1,000 to $2,000 in tuition assistance to 10 to 14 Hudson Valley college-bound students annually, distributing $300,000 to deserving students over the last 27 years.
Dr. Randolph Mahoney is a retired widebody Captain for a major US airline, having recently completed 37 years of service. He is also a former Naval Aviator, Naval Aviation Safety Officer, and Naval Flight Instructor. In both his civilian and military roles, he has participated in mishap investigations and helped develop safety and training programs. He holds FAA certificates as an Airline Transport Pilot, and also has commercial pilot privileges in aircraft and helicopters, as well as being a Certified Flight Instructor and Advanced Ground Instructor. Having flown extensively in the National Capital Area, he is very familiar with Reagan National Airport and operations there.
He flew for American Airlines, has a PhD, and is a former physician’s assistant. As for his support of the AOPA Foundation, Randy has made transformational gifts in support of the AOPA Air Safety Institute. In 2020, he established the Hall-Halliburton Air Safety Endowment, which provides ongoing support to ASI and supports the annual presentation of the Richard McSpadden General Aviation Safety Award at the R. A. “Bob” Hoover Award Ceremony. His generosity has supported numerous ASI safety products, including their world-class Accident Case Studies and Real Pilot Stories, Early Analysis videos, engaging podcasts, the Extra 300 Safety Education Video Series, and expansion of ASI’s data analysis to address key issues such as VFR into IMC accidents, backcountry flying, and loss of control.
Randy’s philanthropic support of these life-saving safety education programs has moved us closer to achieving ASI’s vision: To be the leading influence in pursuit of a world without fatal general aviation accidents.
Douglas Rice has dedicated more than five decades to advancing and preserving general aviation in California. A fifty-year AOPA member and longtime Vice President of CalPilots’ Region 3, he is widely respected as one of the West Coast’s most effective aviation advocates. A recently retired American Airlines Captain with over 30,000 flight hours, Rice has leveraged deep technical expertise, institutional knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the pilot community to ensure aviation remains a vital part of California’s transportation system.
During his tenure with CalPilots, Rice has worked closely with AOPA to address some of the state’s most significant general aviation challenges. He continues to lead efforts to defend Reid-Hillview Airport and San Martin Airport against fuel restrictions, closure threats, and redevelopment pressures, organizing data-driven responses to flawed emissions studies and advocating for transparent, science-based policy. He also played a central role in statewide efforts to prevent the diversion of airport revenues, protecting the long-term viability of numerous California airports.
Rice has been instrumental in airspace modernization and safety initiatives. As the AOPA and ALPA representative during the creation of San Jose International Airport’s Class C airspace, he ensured general aviation interests were fully represented. He continues to contribute to SFO’s Class B airspace and broader Bay Area modernization efforts, working with the FAA, NORCAL TRACON, and other stakeholders to promote safe, balanced, and efficient airspace use.
Beyond policy and technical work, Rice has devoted countless hours to mentorship and public education, engaging pilots, local officials, and aviation organizations to improve understanding of airport economics, environmental responsibility, and operational safety, and to strengthen relationships between pilots, policymakers, and the public.
Through DR Flight Consultants, Rice has built a distinguished career in aviation consulting, training, and safety, including insurance-approved King Air and Piaggio recurrent training, FBO market analysis, expert witness work, and airline strategic planning. He has also served on the ALPA Safety Committee and held board positions with EMB Incorporated, FPNA Incorporated, and The John Lincoln Company.
Douglas Rice exemplifies the spirit of the Laurence P. Sharples Award through a lifetime of leadership, professionalism, and integrity. His legacy is reflected in preserved airports, modernized airspace, strengthened pilot-airport relations, and the many advocates he has mentored across California.
Biography coming soon.
For additional information, please email [email protected]
