Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has presented its prestigious Silk Scarf Award to Rep. Sam Graves (R-06-MO) in recognition of his extraordinary leadership and steadfast commitment to business aviation.
The award was presented at this year’s NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE).
Since his election to Congress in 2001, Graves has championed the nation’s aviation industry through legislation that fosters innovation, development and safety. Currently serving as chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Graves has announced he will not seek reelection to a 14th term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Chairman Graves has been among the most effective and consequential legislators in the history of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. His record as a legislator is legendary, and his legacy stands as a testament to bipartisan problem-solving,” said NBAA Interim COO Dan Hubbard. “He has been a strong and committed ally of business aviation, and his impact on our industry and the broader aviation community will be felt for generations to come.”
Graves’s transformative efforts on Capitol Hill have reshaped the aviation industry. These include leading the passage of the landmark Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Bill of 2024, which included the first-ever general aviation title, and was approved with near-unanimous bipartisan support; his instrumental role following the 2025 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to secure funding for a new air traffic control (ATC) system, and secure committee passage of the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act to advance aviation safety standards; and, his unwavering fight against aviation user fees.
Graves led the creation of the House General Aviation Caucus in 2009, and was named co-chair in 2011, demonstrating his commitment to protecting the interests of the general aviation community at the highest levels of government. An accomplished aviator, he founded and hosts the annual Wingnuts Flying Circus Airshow and Fly-In in his hometown of Tarkio, MO, and is a frequent participant and speaker at NBAA events, including the 2024 and 2025 editions of NBAA-BACE.
Among his numerous accolades, Graves was presented with the NBAA American Spirit Award in 2018, along with former Rep. Todd Rokita (R-04-IN), for his pursuit of excellence and service to others.
“In his 25 years representing Missouri’s 6th district, Rep. Graves reached across the aisle to make Congress and our country better,” said Hubbard. “We thank him for his dedication to public service, and his contributions to preserving America’s global leadership in aviation. The Silk Scarf Award is a fitting tribute to a career of service to business aviation and our nation.”
“Congratulations to my friend, Chairman Sam Graves, on receiving the NBAA’s Silk Scarf Award,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-04-LA). “Over the course of his 26 years of faithful service in Congress, Chairman Graves has been a tireless advocate for American aviation and has brought a pilot’s understanding to his leadership of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This recognition is well deserved, and I’m grateful to the NBAA for celebrating his decades of leadership.”
“Chairman Sam Graves has been an unwavering champion who has advanced aviation safety in the United States,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “As both a dedicated public servant and an experienced pilot he understands firsthand that safety is the bedrock of the aviation community. He secured long-term funding for the FAA and worked tirelessly to modernize our airspace to ensure it remains the safest in the world.”
“I wish I could be in Vegas to see Sam get the prestigious Silk Scarf Award. Sam will be remembered as the finest pilot-legislator in U.S. history,” said Dan Elwell, former FAA deputy administrator. “Since the dawn of flight, no statesman has contributed more to the safety, success and pure enjoyment of aviation than Sam Graves.”
About the Silk Scarf Award
In an effort to honor outstanding business aviation community members and inspire future aviators, the NBAA Silk Scarf Award is given to individuals for special contributions to the business aviation community during their careers.
Learn more and view past Silk Scarf Award winners.