NLF Honorary Diploma
Persons who have distinguished themselves in the broadest sense of the word in aviation and/or aerospace are eligible for an NLF Honorary Diploma. The NLF awards these diplomas incidentally. The NLF Board decides, together with the jury, whether a nominated candidate is eligible for the honorary diploma.
These individuals previously received an NLF Honorary Diploma:
2018
Dick Verburg: for his remarkable and visionary pioneering and entrepreneurship in the establishment and development of European Pilot Selection and Training and Multi Pilot Systems – companies with high relevance for the (inter)national aviation sector. Dick Verburg's social commitment, courage and both passionate and ambitious leadership make him an ambassador for Dutch aviation and a servant of global flight safety.
2015
Ir. Jan de Jong: for his contribution to the growth and development of Fokker Technologies and thus to maintaining a strong aircraft industry for the Netherlands. He is praised for his integrity, personal commitment and development of talent. Jan de Jong has made constructive contributions to the relationship with customers worldwide and thus to the revival of Fokker.
Ir. Rudi den Hertog: for his outstanding involvement as a technician in the Dutch aircraft industry in the broadest sense. Rudi den Hertog is known as the ‘technical conscience’ of the old Fokker organisation, its maintenance elements as continued after 1996 and in the restart efforts of the Fokker 100 programme at Rekkof (now NAC b.v.).
2014
Dr. Russel J.H. Wanhill: for his major, long-term contribution as a scientific researcher at the National Aerospace Laboratory. His work has increased knowledge of the ageing process of aerospace materials. He also contributed to the application of that knowledge in damage and accident investigations and the formulation of preventive measures in ageing aerospace vehicles. Through a teaching position at TU Delft and international forums, Russel Wanhill was able to spread his unique knowledge worldwide – he is recognised as a great metallurgist.
Cees P.M. van der Louw: for his great and long-term merit for KLM and its associated airlines in the field of preparation, design, regulation and implementation of the Emergency Management and Response function. Its adequate functioning represents a great social importance. With his years of experience and professionalism – from the crash of a cargo plane in Amsterdam’s Bijlmer district to the attack on flight MH17 – Cees van der Louw is an authority in this field within the Skyteam. He also enjoys recognition as an expert in the IATA context.
2011
Retired Major General F.P. Schulte: for his achievements for the Royal Dutch Air Force, in particular air force veterans, and for the Military Aviation Museum in Soesterberg.
