Outgoing GAMA CEO Pete Bunce and Team Honored with 2025 Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award

DAYTON, OH, April 10, 2025—The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is proud to announce that Pete Bunce, former President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and the GAMA team are the recipients of the 2025 Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award. This prestigious honor recognizes their collective leadership, advocacy, and lasting contributions to the advancement of general aviation.

Under Pete Bunce’s leadership, GAMA consistently championed safety, innovation and workforce development within the aviation sector while promoting the broader societal benefits of general aviation. Through initiatives like the Aviation Design Challenge, which engages high school students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education through aviation-focused projects, and advocacy for sustainable aviation technologies, GAMA has inspired the next generation of aviators and innovators. Their commitment to fostering economic growth, enhancing safety standards, and supporting charitable aviation causes reflects a sustained dedication to serving national needs.

“The National Aviation Hall of Fame is pleased to recognize Pete Bunce and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association staff with the 2025 Spirit of Flight Award”, said NAHF Board Chairman Doug Schwartz, Managing Partner of Cardinal Aviation Advisors. “Their industry advocacy, efforts to promote workforce development, and strong emphasis on STEM education aligns closely with our mission to inspire the next generation of aerospace and aviation leaders. GAMA’s vision for the future exemplifies the spirit of innovation and leadership we honor with this award.”

Bunce says he is proud of GAMA’s work to advance the industry and humbled to be chosen for this award. “I share this honor with the incredible GAMA staff and a very supportive board of directors who work every day on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean to fulfill our mission to ‘foster and advance the general welfare, safety, interests and activities of the global business and general aviation industry.'”

Bunce and GAMA will be honored at the President’s Reception on September 18, 2025, as part of the NAHF 61st Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony in Wichita, Kansas. More than 500 people— including aviation enthusiasts, industry leaders, and several returning Enshrinees—are expected to attend two days of events. The events are open to the public by advance registration only. For more information, visit nationalaviation.org or call 937-256-0944 ext.16.

About the Award

The Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award recognizes and rewards aerospace organizations that exemplify the positive use of aviation for charitable purposes or for service to all.

About the National Aviation Hall of Fame

The National Aviation Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is the only Congressionally chartered aviation hall of fame in the United States. Based in Dayton, Ohio, the NAHF’s Heritage Hall & Education Center is committed to informing the public about American aviation heroes, their accomplishments, and their impact on advances in aviation from early flight to space travel. The NAHF strives to create a distinctive educational resource that will inspire future generations to appreciate our nation’s extraordinary aviation heritage through the men and women who created it.