The Museum of Flight’s Annual Pathfinder Awards honor individuals with ties to the Pacific Northwest who have made significant contributions to the development of the aerospace industry. Categories include flying, education, operations, engineering, manufacturing, and at large. Pathfinder Award recipients are selected by The Museum of Flight, the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and representatives of other aviation and aerospace organizations and companies throughout the Northwest.


The 2023 Pathfinder Award Recipients:


Ray Conner

Ray Conner

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Gary Lai

Gary Lai

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Ray and Gary were honored at the 2023 Pathfinder Awards Banquet held on October 29, 2023. For further details about the Pathfinder Awards, please contact Janet Choi at 206.764.5709 or email Jchoi@museumofflight.org.



To view biographical information for every Pathfinder Award recipient to date, visit the display in the Museum lobby or view this interactive document.

Pathfinder Award Winner Directory


Want to nominate a future Pathfinder?

Download Nomination Form