The John Moody Award is ultralight aviation's highest and most prestigious award. It is presented annually to an individual, group or organization that, by their efforts over a period of years, have made significant contributions or advancements of enduring value in the sport of ultralight aviation in the United States.

In keeping with the tradition of this award, USUA is proud and happy to announce the winner of the 2007 John Moody Award is Vernon Peckham.

Vernon was born on July 21, 1927 in Romsey Hampshire England. His love of aviation began when he served in the RAF, participating in the Berlin Airlift in 1947. When he left the service, he wanted to continue flying, but (as many have found) couldn't afford General Aviation, so he found himself another aviation outlet-Gliders. Vernon flew gliders for a few years but he soon developed a love of even lighter vehicles. His first venture into this world of low and slow was with Hang Gliders, but an early experience left him swimming to shore, pulling his soaked kite behind him. All the while Vernon was working for the BBC as a motor racing commentator, which he found quite rewarding. Little did he know that eventually he would blend the two pursuits into a lifelong calling.

In 1983 he discovered powered ultralights, flying and selling many in these early years of the sport. Verne became a fixture in the early 1990's at Sun N Fun Fly-In in Lakeland Florida, volunteering his time to Paradise City (the Sun N Fun ultralight area). One day in 1991, while standing at the flightline, he commented to then ultralight area supervisor Bill McClung that there were many different types of ultralights showing up but few people knew anything about them. "They need a commentator," he suggested. Bill, having known of Vernon's past vocation with the BBC suggested that he give it a try. And the rest is history. Vernon spent that night reading every ultralight sales brochure he collected that afternoon. He wanted to be as well versed as possible.

Vernon's role as ultralight commentator began that year, and has been a mainstay at Paradise City until 2006, when health issues required him to step down. It is important to note that he became such a success at Sun N Fun, that many Fly-Ins across the country sought him out to bring his "BBC voice" to their event. It is equally important to point out that Vernon never charged for his services. He has been airshow commentator for events in 32 US States, New Zealand and France- all without charging for his services. Instead, he relied on donations and sponsorships to pay his way to these events- and often he received nothing. This never deterred Vernon, his commitment was clear. All who were privileged to hear him in action were informed, enthused and often amused by his knowledge and information, and the wonderfully unique way in which it was presented. To many, he WAS the voice of ultralighting.

It is this selfless dedication to the sport, and the service he has provided to all who heard that golden voice describing the different airplanes as they flew by, that convinced the John Moody Award Selection Committee to elect Vernon Peckham as the 2007 recipient of this celebrated award.

When informed of his winning the Moody Award Vernon had this to say: "It wasn't just me, it was the people, the spectators, and what we were doing for the community. I enjoyed every second of it. And... I miss it!"

THE JOHN MOODY AWARD - Origin of the Award:

The United States Ultralight Association established the John Moody Award in 1991. It is the highest and most prestigious award honoring the history and development of ultralight sport aviation. It is awarded annually to a living individual, a group of individuals, or an organization for efforts over a period of years that have reflected credit upon America and themselves by having made significant contributions or advancements of enduring value in the sport of ultralight aviation in the United States. Nominations for this award are solicited from all segments of the ultralight community; including ultralight enthusiasts, industry leaders, and ultralight clubs. The John Moody Award selection committee reviews all nominations.

Selection Committee:

The John Moody Award selection committee consists of the USUA Board of directors, USUA Regional Representatives, and past recipients of the John Moody Award. The committee meets in a closed-door session during the USUA Annual Meeting where it reviews all nominations and selects a recipient to be honored the following year. All voting is by secret ballot, and votes are tallied by the USUA Secretary and the selection committee Chairman.

The announcement of the winner will be made on or before January 1, by USUA headquarters.

Presentation of the Award:

The John Moody Award is presented annually at the USUA Award Ceremony and Annual meeting. The recipient of the award is notified by USUA headquarters, and invited to the USUA Annual Meeting for the presentation of the award.