National Aeronautic Association
The National Aeronautic Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1905 that serves as the official U.S. representative to the FAI, certifying U.S. aviation records, issuing FAI Sporting Licenses, administering elite aerospace awards, and serving 500,000+ members across 10 air sports disciplines.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1905
- HeadquartersNew Tazewell, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What National Aeronautic Association does
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1905 as the Aero Club of America and headquartered at Reagan Washington National Airport, Hangar 7, Washington, D.C. It is the oldest national aviation organization in the United States and a founding member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). NAA serves as the official U.S. National Air Sport Control (NAC), the exclusive issuer of FAI Sporting Licenses in the U.S., and the sole authority to certify U.S. aviation and space records for world-record status. Its core products are tiered individual memberships (Bronze $55 to Platinum/Life $1,905), organizational memberships (Corporate, Affiliate at $2,000–$2,500, Institutional, Aero Club, and Air Sport), the FAI Sporting License, the NAA Records Database, record sanctioning and certification services, and a portfolio of elite awards including the Collier Trophy, Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, Henderson Trophy, Brewer Trophy, Mackay Trophy, and Stinson Trophy. The underlying technology is a web-based membership management system integrated with the FAI international database for license verification and record tracking, with a self-serve Record Sanctioning Portal for submitting Notice of Intent requests.
NAA's business model is a hybrid of subscription and transaction-based revenue: recurring membership dues across six tiers, transaction fees for record sanctioning and processing, annual FAI Sporting License fees with rush processing upcharges, event revenue from the Collier Trophy Celebration and Fall Awards ceremonies, and tax-deductible donations supporting mission-driven programs including trophy endowments. Go-to-market is direct-to-consumer via naa.aero with channel distribution through seven national Air Sport Organizations (Academy of Model Aeronautics, U.S. Parachute Association, Soaring Society of America, Balloon Federation of America, International Aerobatic Club, U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, U.S. Powered Paraglider Association) and affiliate partnerships with NBAA, AOPA, GAMA, ALPA, and AIA. The customer base spans individual aviation enthusiasts and competitors (500K+ represented through ASOs), aerospace corporations (Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, RTX, Textron, Gulfstream, Bombardier, Embraer), educational institutions (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University), the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and U.S. government agencies (NASA, FAA via board representation), operating across 48 contiguous U.S. states and 10 air sports disciplines.
National Aeronautic Association firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- National Aeronautic Association
- Legal name
- National Aeronautic Association
- Website
- https://naa.aero
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1905
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The National Aeronautic Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1905 that serves as the official U.S. representative to the FAI, certifying U.S. aviation records, issuing FAI Sporting Licenses, administering elite aerospace awards, and serving 500,000+ members across 10 air sports disciplines.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
National Aeronautic Association industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aviation Membership Organization
- NAICS
- Sports Teams and Clubs (711211), Spectator Sports (7112)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)
- akta.pro primary industry
- National Governing Bodies (NGBs) (MPAKAFAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- International Sport Federations (IFs) (MPAKAFAB), Amateur Sport Governing Bodies & Federations (National/Regional) (MPAKACAD)
Keywords
Where National Aeronautic Association is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New Tazewell
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
National Aeronautic Association business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Individual Membership Dues: Annual membership fees ranging from $55 for Bronze to $1,905 for Platinum/Life membership, with pricing variations for domestic vs international addresses.
- Organizational Membership Dues: Corporate, Affiliate, Institutional, and Aero Club memberships with dues based on annual review or fixed rates (e.g., Affiliate $2,000-$2,500).
- Record Sanction and Processing Fees: Fees for sanctioning record attempts, with discounts for Silver and above members (5-15% reduction). Corporate members receive up to $2,000 annual reduction.
- FAI Sporting License Fees: Annual license fees with rush processing options ($25 for 2-day, $50 for 1-day processing).
- Donations and Philanthropy: Tax-deductible donations supporting NAA's mission, with designated funds for specific trophies and awards.
- Event Revenue: Ticket sales and sponsorships for award ceremonies including Collier Trophy Celebration and Fall Awards events.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Bronze Membership - Entry-level individual membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Silver Membership - Mid-tier with enhanced benefits |
| Subscription | Annual | Gold Membership - Premium individual membership |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Platinum/Life Membership - Highest tier lifetime commitment |
| Subscription | Annual | Corporate Membership - Organization-level partnership |
| Subscription | Annual | Affiliate Membership - Industry association partnership |
| Subscription | Annual | FAI Sporting License - Standalone license option |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
National Aeronautic Association product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The National Aeronautic Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1905 that serves as the official U.S. National Air Sport Control for the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). It offers tiered individual and organizational memberships (Bronze through Platinum/Life, Corporate, Affiliate, Aero Club, Institutional, and Air Sport), issues FAI Sporting Licenses, validates and certifies U.S. aviation and aerospace records, and administers a portfolio of prestigious aerospace awards including the Collier Trophy and Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.
Product overview
The National Aeronautic Association operates as a membership-based nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and services rather than a unified software product. Core offerings include tiered individual and organizational membership programs (Bronze through Platinum/Life, Corporate, Affiliate, Aero Club, Institutional, and Air Sport memberships) that provide FAI Sporting License access, records database privileges, and eligibility for prestigious aerospace awards. The organization's flagship award portfolio includes the Robert J. Collier Trophy (annual greatest aerospace achievement), Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy (lifetime public service), Frank G. Brewer Trophy (aerospace education), Mackay Trophy (meritorious flight), and multiple service and statesmanship awards. Supporting services include flight record certification and validation through the NAA Records Database, event programming (Collier Trophy Celebration, Aviation Records Celebration), and the FAI International Art Contest for youth. Optional add-ons include Smithsonian Air & Space Quarterly subscriptions and Why I Fly video series access.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- NAA Individual Membership
- NAA Corporate Membership
- NAA Affiliate Membership
- NAA Aero Club Membership
- NAA Institutional Membership
- NAA Air Sport Organization Membership
- FAI Sporting License
- Flight Record Certification and Validation
- NAA Records Database
- Robert J. Collier Trophy
- Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy
- Frank G. Brewer Trophy
- NAA Mackay Trophy
- Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman & Stateswoman of Aviation Award
- NAA Henderson Trophy
- Katherine & Marjorie Stinson Trophy
- NAA Bruce Whitman Trophy
- NAA Public Benefit Flying Awards
- FAI International Aviation Art Contest
- Collier Trophy Celebration
- Aviation Records Celebration
Quantifiable outcome
- 500,000+ members represented through Air Sport Organizations
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use National Aeronautic Association
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
National Aeronautic Association technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
National Aeronautic Association partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and major.
- Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI)flagshipNAA is a founding member of FAI, established in 1905 alongside Germany, Spain, Belgium, UK, Italy, Switzerland, and France. NAA serves as the official U.S. National Air Sport Control (NAC), responsible for appointing representatives to 15 major FAI air sport and technical commissions and representing U.S. interests at FAI's Annual General Conference.
- Academy of Model AeronauticscoreNational governing body for aeromodeling, representing approximately 170,000 members and organizing numerous competitions under NAA's air sports governance.
- U.S. Parachute Association (USPA)coreNational governing body for parachuting and skydiving, founded 1967, representing individual skydivers under NAA's air sports governance.
- Soaring Society of America (SSA)coreNational governing body for gliding, established 1932, collaborating with NAA to promote and regulate gliding competitions.
- Balloon Federation of America (BFA)coreNational governing body for ballooning, coordinating competitions and representing approximately 3,500 members.
- International Aerobatic Club (IAC)coreGlobal organization promoting aerobatics, overseeing competitions, and welcoming aviation enthusiasts under NAA's air sports governance.
- U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA)coreNational governing body for hang gliding and paragliding, representing Colorado Springs-based membership.
- U.S. Powered Paraglider Association (USPPA)coreNational governing body for powered paragliding and paramotor flying.
- Smithsonian National Air and Space MuseumcoreInstitutional partner hosting permanent displays of Collier Trophy, Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, and Brewer Trophy. Historical archives housed at museum.
- National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO)majorPartner in hosting the U.S. national competition for the FAI International Aviation Art Contest.
- Air Care AlliancemajorFormal partner in presenting the Public Benefit Flying Awards, recognizing volunteer aviation humanitarian missions.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
National Aeronautic Association competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): Large U.S. aviation membership organization and NAA affiliate partner. Comparable as a membership-based aviation advocacy and services organization with overlapping pilot/owner audience but focused on general aviation rather than air sport governance.
- Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI): The international governing body for air sports of which NAA is a founding member and U.S. representative. Directly comparable as the umbrella international federation for the same air sports disciplines and credentialing framework NAA operates within.
- U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC): U.S. National Olympic Committee overseeing multiple National Governing Bodies across all sports. Comparable in structural role as the umbrella national federation coordinator, though broader in scope than NAA's air-sports focus.
Direct peers
- Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom: Long-standing national aeronautic association serving as the UK's NAC under FAI. Directly comparable in mission, structure, and member services as another country's national air sport governing body with parallel FAI Sporting License and records functions.
- Aero Club of New Zealand: New Zealand's national aeronautic association and FAI NAC. Operates an analogous membership-based model administering FAI Sporting Licenses, record certification, and national aviation awards in its country.
Regional players
- Deutscher Aero Club (DAeC): Germany's national aeronautic association and founding FAI member alongside NAA. Comparable as one of the original FAI founding national aero clubs administering sporting licenses and air sport governance domestically.
- Royal Canadian Flying Clubs Association: Canadian federation of flying clubs affiliated with Aero Club of Canada and FAI. Comparable as a regional aero club network supporting national aviation governance and air sport participation in a different geography.
- Fédération Française Aéronautique (FFA): French national aeronautic federation and FAI NAC. Comparable as a national FAI member organization running its own air sport governance, licensing, and training programs in a different geography.
Emerging players
- Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA): National governing body for aeromodeling in the U.S. and an NAA Air Sport Organization member. Comparable as a U.S. air sport discipline governing body operating within NAA's broader federation structure.
- U.S. Parachute Association (USPA): National governing body for parachuting and skydiving and an NAA Air Sport Organization. Comparable as one of NAA's constituent ASOs running membership, training, and competition sanctioning for a specific air sport.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
National Aeronautic Association social profiles
Digital presenceNational Aeronautic Association compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
National Aeronautic Association financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
National Aeronautic Association leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
National Aeronautic Association funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
National Aeronautic Association M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about National Aeronautic Association
What does National Aeronautic Association do?
The National Aeronautic Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1905 that serves as the official U.S. National Air Sport Control for the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). It offers tiered individual and organizational memberships (Bronze through Platinum/Life, Corporate, Affiliate, Aero Club, Institutional, and Air Sport), issues FAI Sporting Licenses, validates and certifies U.S. aviation and aerospace records, and administers a portfolio of prestigious aerospace awards including the Collier Trophy and Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.
Is National Aeronautic Association a public or private company?
National Aeronautic Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was National Aeronautic Association founded?
National Aeronautic Association was founded in 1905. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is National Aeronautic Association based?
National Aeronautic Association is headquartered in New Tazewell, United States, in the North America region.
How does National Aeronautic Association make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Individual Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are organizational Membership Dues, record Sanction and Processing Fees, FAI Sporting License Fees, donations and Philanthropy and event Revenue.
Who are National Aeronautic Association's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Direct peers are Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom and Aero Club of New Zealand. Regional players are Deutscher Aero Club (DAeC), Royal Canadian Flying Clubs Association and Fédération Française Aéronautique (FFA). Emerging players are Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and U.S. Parachute Association (USPA).
Does National Aeronautic Association have an API?
No public API is recorded for National Aeronautic Association.
What industry is National Aeronautic Association in?
National Aeronautic Association's product category is Aviation Membership Organization. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAKAFAC, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), with a secondary code of MPAKAFAB, International Sport Federations (IFs). Its NAICS code is 711211 and its SIC code is 7997.