The Aerospace Wings of Liberty Award is given by AIA to recognize members of Congress who have made significant contributions to the aerospace industry, and have reflected credit upon America and themselves. The award derives its name from a description of aviation’s early years from the 1919 Yearbook of the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce, which was the predecessor organization of AIA.

The Lyman Award honors the winner for distinguished, career-long achievements in aerospace journalism or public relations.

In 1972, the former Aviation/Space Writers Association established this prestigious award in honor of Deac Lyman. Both a distinguished aviation writer for The New York Times and a PR executive for United Aircraft, predecessor of today’s UTC, Deac was widely known for championing high public relations standards and excellence in writing. The award thus honors the winner for distinguished, career-long achievements in aerospace journalism or public relations. AIA administers the Lyman Award on behalf of UTC, the award’s sponsor.

Past Lyman recipients include: