NBAA Presents Silk Scarf Award to Rep. Sam Graves at NBAA-BACE
Why It MattersThe award recognizes a congressional ally who is leaving office after helping pass the 2024 FAA reauthorization, so the industry's legislative advocacy will soon need a new champion.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) presented its Silk Scarf Award to Rep. Sam Graves (R-06-MO) in recognition of his leadership and commitment to business aviation. The award was handed over at this year's NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).
Graves, who was elected to Congress in 2001, chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and has announced he will not seek reelection to a 14th term. NBAA cited his role in leading passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill of 2024, which included the first-ever general aviation title and was approved with near-unanimous bipartisan support. It also cited his work after the 2025 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to secure funding for a new air traffic control system and to win committee passage of the Airspace bill.
Graves led the creation of the House General Aviation Caucus in 2009 and became its co-chair in 2011. A pilot, he founded and hosts the annual Wingnuts Flying Circus Airshow and Fly-In in his hometown of Tarkio, Missouri, and spoke at NBAA-BACE in 2024 and 2025. In 2018 he received the NBAA American Spirit Award together with former Rep. Todd Rokita (R-04-IN).
NBAA Interim COO Dan Hubbard called Graves among the most effective and consequential legislators in the history of the committee and a strong ally of business aviation. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said Graves advanced aviation safety, secured long-term funding for the FAA and worked to modernize U.S. airspace. Former FAA Deputy Administrator Dan Elwell called him the finest pilot-legislator in U.S. history.
NBAA gives the Silk Scarf Award to individuals for special contributions to the business aviation community during their careers. Presentations are made at NBAA events such as NBAA-BACE or at regional business aviation group events, and more than one may be made per year.
