Jerome F. Lederer Award

History

The award was created to honor Jerome F. Lederer, whose recognition as a leader in the world of aviation safety since its infancy earned him the title of “Father of Aviation Safety.” He was bestowed this title by Congress in 1997. He served as the second President of ISASI and was later granted the title of President Emeritus, which he held until his death in 2004 at the age of 101 years.

Process

The Award is presented annually by the International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI) for outstanding lifetime contributions to technical excellence in furthering aviation accident investigation and achieving ISASI objectives, including enhancing aviation safety through the continuing development of investigation techniques.

The nominee may be an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization. The nominee is not required to be an ISASI member. Any member of ISASI may submit a nomination.

The nomination may be for a single event, a series of events, or a lifetime of achievement.

Nomination statements should emphasis an original and remarkable contribution and personal effort beyond normal duty requirements.

A nominee is considered for the next 3 years and then dropped. After an intervening year, the candidate may be nominated for another 3 years.

The ISASI Awards Committee considers such traits as duration and persistence, standing among peers, manner and techniques of operating, and achievements.  This Award is one of the most significant honors an accident investigator can receive, and considerable care is given in determining the recipient. ISASI members should thoughtfully review their association with professional investigators and submit a nomination when they identify someone who has made an outstanding contribution to accident investigation.

The nomination letter should be limited to a single page and should be e-mailed to the ISASI office or directly to the Awards Committee Chair. Nominations must be received by May 30th each year.

ISASI Office email – ann.schull@isasi.org

Awards Committee Chair – Dave King - kingdfk@aol.com

List of Winners

Recipients of the ISASI Jerome F. Lederer Award

• 2024 - Robert L. Sumwalt III 
• 2023 - Wing Commander Syed Naseem Ahmed (Retired)
• 2022 – Barbara Dunn
• 2021 – Howard Keith Hagy
• 2020 – Ralph M. Sorrells, Jr.
• 2019 – Capt. Akrivos Tsolakis
• 2018 - Capt. Mohammed Aziz
• 2017 - Mr. Chan Wing Keong
• 2016 - Eugene "Toby" Carroll
• 2015 - Ladislav Mika (Ladi)
• 2014 - David King
• 2013 – Frank S. Del Gandio and Myron P. “Pappy” Papadakis
• 2012 - Curt Lewis
• 2011 - Paul-Louis Arslanian
• 2010 - Michael Poole
• 2009 - Capt. Richard B. Stone
• 2009 - Australian Transport Safety Bureau
• 2008 - Don Bateman
• 2007 - Tom McCarthy
• 2006 - Richard H. Wood
• 2005 - John D. Rawson
• 2004 - Ron Chippindale 
• 2003 - Caj Frostell
• 2002 - Ronald L. Schleede
• 2001 - John Purvis and The Transportation Safety Board of Canada
• 2000 - Nora Marshal
• 1999 - Capt. James McIntyre 
• 1998 - A. Frank Taylor
• 1997 - Gus Economy
• 1996 - Burt Chesterfield
• 1995 - Dr. John K. Lauber
• 1994 - U.K. Aircraft Accidents Investigation Branch
• 1993 - Capt. Victor Hewes
• 1992 - Paul R. Powers
• 1991 - Eddie J. Trimble
• 1990 - Olof Fritsch
• 1989 - Aage A. Roed 
• 1988 - H. Vincent LaChapelle
• 1987 - Dr. Carol A. Roberts
• 1986 - Geoffrey C. Wilkinson
• 1985 - Dr. John Kenyon Mason
• 1984 - George B. Parker
• 1983 - C.O. Miller 
• 1982 - H. Prater Hogue
• 1981 - Dr. S. Harry Robertson
• 1980 - John Gilbert Boulding
• 1979 - Gerard M. Bruggink
• 1978 - Allen R. McMahan
• 1977 - Samuel M. Phillips