40th Crystal Eagle Awards and Scholarship Dinner

2024 Awardee, Capt Joe Sobzcak

Aero Club of Northern California Mission(s)

We embrace the goals of our parent organization in our efforts to support a vigorous aviation and space program for students at all levels of learning, and to recognize and honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of aviation and space flight.  

 

Learn more about our 2024 Crystal Eagle Awards Recipient Joe Sobzcak

 Joseph Sobzcak, formerly of San Jose, CA., inspiring the next generation of aviators.


Who We Are

The Aero Club of Northern California was formed to promote activities that advance aviation and aerospace in Northern California. 

We are an affiliate of the National Aeronautic Association (NAA), the oldest national aviation organization in the United States. NAA is the record-keeper for United States aviation.

Membership Contact

Anita Farris 
Aero Club of Northern California 
 
rsvp@aeroclubnorcal.org 

Mailing address: 

Aero Club of Northern California

PO BOX 610234

San Jose, CA 95161-0234

 

 

 

 

40th Crystal Eagle Award:  "Inspiring the next generation" with LtCol Joseph Sobzcak, USAF(Ret)          

The 40th Crystal Eagle Awards and Scholarship Dinner will be at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, November 9th, 2024, at the Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, at San Carlos Airport. The cocktail Reception starts at 6:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m.

 

Joseph Sobzcak, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.), an aviation legend formerly from San Jose, CA., will be recognized as our 40th Crystal Eagle Award Recipient. Joe Sobzcak made his imprint on history as a former USAF F-15 Fighter Pilot, F-15 Test Pilot, and later becoming a United Airlines Test Pilot following his military retirement. Joe is currently an Air Transport Pilot/Test Pilot and is rated in the Boeing 727, 737, 747, 777, 787, DC-10 and the Airbus A320. His legacy stands as a symbol of excellence in aerospace.

Scholarships will be awarded to several students enrolled in Northern California college and university aviation programs. Dinner ticket prices cover the cost of the event, so we rely upon contributions and Silent Auction bids to fund the scholarships.

 

The Aero Club first presented the Crystal Eagle Award in 1983 to legendary aviator Gen. Jimmy Doolittle. Among past recipients are Gen. Chuck Yeager, Stanley Hiller Jr., Jim Nissen, George Cooper, Jeana Yeager, James S. Ricklefs, Darryl Greenamyer, Clay Lacy, Paul Poberezny, Wayne Handley, Eileen Collins, Sean D. Tucker, Steve Fossett, Brian Shul, C.E. "Bud" Anderson, Julie Clark, Rod Machado, John and Martha King, and Barry Schiff.

 

Dinner tickets, including museum admission, are $150 for non-members. Reservations are due by November 7th, 2024. Reservations are required; tickets will not be sold at the door, and attendees can purchase tables reserved for 8 guests. You can further support the Aero Club and the Crystal Eagle Awards by becoming or renewing your Aero Club Membership.

 

Come join us and help make it a night to remember!

 

Sincerely,


Pam Svrdlin - President, Aero Club of Northern California
Michelle Tripp - Vice-President, Aero Club of Northern California
board@aeroclubnorcal.org

 

 

Can't attend this year's Crystal Eagle Awards? You can still make a difference even if you can't attend. For those who are unable to attend, donations in lieu of attendance to our ACNC Scholarship Program are greatly appreciated!

PLEASE DONATE to the ACNC Scholarship fund benefiting local aviation students (click here)

Merryl Tengesdal Accepting the Crystal Eagle (2023)

 

PLEASE DONATE to the ACNC Scholarship fund benefiting local aviation students (click here)

 

 

Social Media Logo for the ACNC

Come join us in our mission to grow aviation by promoting it to the next generation of aviators. Along the way, you'll get to meet some of the top names in aviation and aerospace as we recognize them for their accomplishments. 

Your annual $40 dues include membership in the National Aeronautics Association (NAA). Member dues also cover the Aero Club's annual fixed expenses. 

You can get started right now by clicking here: 2025 Aero Club of Northern California Membership

Thank you for supporting our mission of encouraging the next generation of aviation professionals!

 

 

 

Click to DONATE to the Aero Club Scholarship fund benefiting local aviation students.

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