The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has chosen Nelda K. Lee of The Boeing Company to receive the 2010 Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Award. The award recognizes a living woman for an outstanding and enduring contribution, a meritorious flight, or a singular technical development in the field of aviation, aeronautics, space, or related sciences.
As a “role model and pioneer female aerospace test engineer,” Lee has inspired men and women to seek careers in aviation, the NAA said.
Lee is responsible for flight and ground test engineering for the four military aircraft that are manufactured in St. Louis for Boeing: the F-15 Eagle, the AV-8 Harrier, the T-45 Goshawk, and the F/A-18 Hornet. She has been with Boeing (and formerly McDonnell Douglas) for more than 35 years.
A certificated commercial pilot with instrument, multiengine, and helicopter ratings, Lee has competed in several Transcontinental Air Races and is a member of The Ninety-Nines, International Women Pilots, and The Whirly-Girls, International Women Helicopter Pilots. She serves on the Board of Directors for Women in Aviation International and was inducted into WAI’s Pioneer Hall of Fame in 2004.
NAA will award the Stinson Trophy on Feb. 26 at the 2011 International Women in Aviation Annual Conference in Reno, Nev.
