The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) awarded its 2019 Bob Hoover Trophy to Clay Lacy on Sunday evening. Famed actor Harrison Ford presented the trophy during a ceremony held at the historic Terminal A lobby at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, recognizing Lacy’s contributions to aviation, inspiration to pilots, and support of young people in aviation careers.

Originally from Wichita, Lacy has logged some 53,000 hours in more than 300 aircraft, earned 32 type ratings, set 29 world speed records, and flown more than 2,500 film missions from his home in Los Angeles. He established an FBO at Van Nuys Airport more than 50 years ago, and that business now has a presence in nearly two-dozen locations and employs 500. Lacy was further recognized for his efforts in helping to develop the next-generation workforce through scholarship, open houses, outreach, and mentorship.

AOPA president Mark Baker said the trophy is presented to an “aviator who exhibits the airmanship, leadership, and passion for aviation, and life demonstrated by Bob Hoover.”

Also honored during Sunday’s ceremony were ForeFlight founders Tyson Weihs and Jason Miller with the General Aviation Safety Award; Hawaii state Sen. Kai Kahele (D), a commercial airline pilot and commissioned officer in the Hawaii Air National Guard with the Laurence P. Sharples Award; and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) with the Joseph B. “Doc” Hartranft Award.