Membership
A Special Organization
When you become a Daedalian, you join a venerated organization made up of distinguished patriots, past and present. Your membership offers several advantages, including the ability to network and build camaraderie with similar-minded and motivated individuals, to help advocate and advance military aviation and space technology, and to recognize, be involved with, and learn about the top aviators of yesterday and today.
We look forward to welcoming you to our ranks!
Membership Categories
Founder
Our Founder Members are the more than 14,000 World War I aviators who were commissioned as officers and rated as military pilots no later than Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1918. Read about our history here.
Named
Our Named Members perpetuate the legacy of our Founder Members. Those eligible are: a commissioned or warrant officer in any component of the U.S. Armed Forces who is a pilot, navigator, combat systems officer (CSO), weapon systems officer (WSO), naval flight officer (NFO), air battle manager (ABM), remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) pilot or flight surgeon of heavier-than-air powered aircraft, an astronaut or a Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Normally, only two Named Members are authorized per Founder Member but the National Adjutant may add additional memberships.
Hereditary
A descendant, real or adopted, of a Founder Member. There is no limit to Hereditary Members authorized for any one Founder Membership.
Life
Named and Hereditary Members may also become Life Members. A Life Membership is a commitment to the ideals the Daedalians were founded upon. You understand the passion of being an aviator, and the journey you took to achieve your goal. By becoming a Life Member, you’re making a direct investment in tomorrow’s military aviators, helping them achieve their goals by a more direct route.
Honorary
A distinguished person who is not otherwise eligible for membership as a Daedalian. The National Board of Directors screens recommendations and selects the nominee to be submitted to the vote of the active membership. At least three quarters of the votes cast must be in favor of the nominee’s designation as an Honorary Member. The number of Honorary Members shall not exceed 15 at any one time.
Current Honorary Members
Name – Date Installed
Mr. Keith Ferris – June 23, 1984
Dr. Benjamin Lambeth – May 25, 2002
Lt. Gen. Paul K. Carlton Jr. – June 21, 2003
Mr. Michael W. Melvill – June 21, 2006
Dr. Hans M. Mark – Sept. 22, 2011
Mr. Laird Leavoy – March 23, 2016
Dr. Richard P. Hallion – April 21, 2016
Past Honorary Members
Name | Year Installed | Deceased |
Orville Wright | 1938 | 1948 |
Gerald C. Brandt | 1954 | 1958 |
Alexander P. de Seversky | 1956 | 1974 |
Igor I. Sikorsky | 1957 | 1972 |
Thomas D. White | 1957 | 1965 |
Thomas D. Campbell | 1957 | 1966 |
John K. Northrop | 1957 | 1981 |
Donald W. Douglas | 1957 | 1981 |
James H. Douglas | 1960 | 1988 |
Otis O. Benson Jr. | 1961 | 1982 |
Clayton C. Shangraw | 1961 | 1983 |
Ernest C. Hall | 1962 | 1972 |
Robert C. Reeve | 1963 | 1980 |
Grover C. Loening | 1973 | 1976 |
E.B. Jeppesen | 1974 | 1996 |
Robert M. Stanley | 1974 | 1977 |
Clarence L. Johnson | 1975 | 1991 |
George E. Haddaway | 1977 | 1988 |
John P. Stapp | 1981 | 1999 |
Christopher C. Kraft | 1983 | 2015* |
Don H. Clausen | 1983 | 2015 |
James J. Parks | 1985 | 2001 |
Jerome F. Lederer | 1985 | 2004 |
Gerhard Neumann | 1986 | 1997 |
Milton A. Caniff | 1987 | 1988 |
Edward H. Heinemann | 1987 | 1981 |
Paul E. Garber | 1988 | 1992 |
Anthony W. Levier | 1988 | 1998 |
Ernest K. Gann | 1990 | 1991 |
Edna Gardner Whyte | 1990 | 1992 |
Scott Crossfield | 1993 | 2006 |
Jeffrey L. Ethell | 1994 | 1997 |
Robert A. Hoover | 1994 | 2000 |
Alvin S. White | 1994 | 2006 |
John W. Myers | 1998 | 2008 |
Michael J. Novosel | 1998 | 2006 |
William J. Reynolds | 1998 | 2006 |
Fowler W. Cary Jr. | 2007 | 2019 |
*Resigned due to medical reasons |
Benefits of Membership
Rich Heritage
We honor those who served in World War I by tying a new member to one who flew first in defense or our nation. No other aviation community carries their history back to World War I aviation in such a personal way. Every named member carries forth the legacy of these pilots. Your named membership will be forever entwined with this rich heritage.
Camaraderie
We are a professional organization of military aviators. Members are of one spirit of familiarity to the world of military aviation and there is trust that exists between our members.
Philanthropy
Daedalians have a concern for human welfare and advancement. The Daedalian Foundation fosters scholarship and flying training programs as well as awards at the high school level. Each generation inspires a new generation of military aviators within their own community.
Recognition
Daedalians take pride in ownership by sponsoring awards for exceptional military aviators as well as awards for safety, education and training, service, weapon systems and advocacy. These awards showcase outstanding work.
Mentoring
Daedalians promote the rewards of a career in military aviation to young Americans and mentor those who are fresh in their careers. Giving back to the professional community raises the profile and stature of our members.
Local Flights
Local chapters exist for sharing experiences, networking and community involvement. There are one-of-a-kind chapter events built around learning and engagement, and staying abreast of military aviation developments.
Virtual Flight
An online chapter designed for members who do not have the time, ability or proximity to a local flight to attend traditional meetings, this web page offers visitors an interactive look at aviation with activities designed to keep Daedalians in the loop with current and historical aviation topics.
Daedalus Flyer Magazine
Our quarterly magazine is designed to educate readers about military missions and airpower, and to inform them of the success of Daedalian programs. Free to members, this publication is available to other organizations who advocate for airpowers’ Total Force community.
Airpower Blog
An exchange of articles about airpower representing all services and other civilian agencies as applicable. Readers are encouraged to submit their own articles for publication, and comment on stories as well.
Aviator e-Newsletter
This monthly product presents news about Daedalian accomplishments, aviation heritage, and updates on our philanthropic efforts regarding scholarships, Daedalian Flying Training and JROTC.