The Robert J. Collier Trophy is awarded annually "for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year."

Founded in 1905, the NAA oversees America's oldest and most prestigious aviation and aerospace recognitions.

[1] In 1910, he commissioned Baltimore sculptor Ernest Wise Keyser to make the 525-pound (238 kg) Aero Club of America Trophy.

The award is presented once a year by the NAA president, with the trophy on permanent display at the National Air and Space Museum.

[3] The thieves left it at Fort Foote park and it was recovered 26 hours from the time it went missing.