Every year, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association polls its 800 members to choose a winner of the President’s Award, and this year the honor went posthumously to Jeremy Monnett, the CEO of Sonex, who died in a plane crash last month. The award, which was announced by LAMA President Dan Johnson Tuesday morning at EAA AirVenture, was accepted by Monnett’s family. The award has been given annually for 24 years, Johnson said, and this is the first time it was awarded posthumously. Monnett was recognized for his work at Sonex as well his efforts in helping to launch the Aircraft Kit Industry Association, where he served as president.
Monnett was 40 when he was killed in a plane crash last month at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Sonex employee Mike Clark, 20, a mechanic, also was killed. Monnett had also worked with local officials in Oshkosh to help develop an aviation business park at the airport. Sonex was founded by his father, John Monnett.
