The Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, will play host to the National Aeronautic Assn.’s Fall Awards Dinner on Dec. 8. Those receiving awards include Dr. Peggy Chabrian and Randall Greene, both haling from a rotary-wing background. They will each be recognized as a Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman of Aviation.

The Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award was established in 1954 to recognize those who have made significant contributions to aeronautics over an extended period of time. Both Chabrian have Greene have done just that. Chabrian founded Women in Aviation International (WAI) in 1994 and has more than 30 years of aviation experience. Greene has an extensive resumé dating back to 1972 when he was an engineering test pilot and advanced systems manager at Safe Flight Instrument Corp., which his father, Leonard Greene, founded.

A helicopter rating is a newer addition to Chabrian’s flight qualifications, but according to wai.org, she has more than 2,200 hours as both a commercial/instrument multi-engine pilot and flight instructor. She also has held a variety of high-level positions in aviation academia, for which she has received multiple awards. She currently serves as WAI’s president and is active in other organizations, including the Aviation Accreditation Board International.

Although Greene left his position at Safe Flight in 1980, he continued work as a test pilot, among other positions. He is an FAA designated test pilot for FAR Part 23, 25, 27, and 29 aircraft, and is FAA airline transport-rated for both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. His other positions include a return to Safe Flight as president in 2001 wher he now holds positions as chairman, president and CEO. Safe Flight is credited for a variety of inventions — perhaps most notable is the Powerline Detection System. Greene himself has 15 in the U.S.