The ACA was the idea of Homer W. Hedge in 1903, who made his organizational efforts among the wealthy patrons (see APPENDIX-AF) of other sporting endeavors. By the time of its incorporation in 1905, a new group of members had evolved from the ballooning fraternity, since it enjoyed most of the activity and publicity at the time. The first ACA-sanctioned event was the balloon race at Pittsfield (MA) on 11 March 1906. It was a great success, and the name "Aero Club of America" gained World recognition when the USA won the Gordon Bennett Races in France later that year. The ACA issued the first FAI-recognized Pilot Certificate to James C. McCOY (a balloonist) 21 Apr.1908, and subsequently issued all pilot certificates until 1922. These were required of all pilots participating in sporting events after 23 Nov. 1909.

The ACA never enjoyed greater popularity than the 1908-12 era. By that time, aviation publicity revolved more around the activities of the airplane. The fate of the organization was sealed by the start of World War I. The number of balloonists increased 700 percent in three years, but the members were military, rather than sporting enthusiasts. The new breed of pilot was a loner, driving an airplane. Past ballooning Presidents of the ACA were:

• HEDGE, Homer W. (1905-1907)
  
  
• BISHOP, Cortlant (1907-1909)
  
  
• WRIGHT, Wilbur I. (1911-1912)
  
  
• COLLIER, Robert J. (1912-1913)
  
  
• HAWLEY, Alan R. (1913-1919)
  
  
  

The NAA was organized in 1905 as an independent, non-profit aviation organization. It was chartered in 1922 by the FAI, absorbed the duties of the ACA, and started on its present course of history. It was completely reorganized to represent all of sport aviation, and quickly won the support of the aviation fraternity. It is, today, still the sole representative of sport aviation to the FAI in France. The only past ballooning Presidents were:

• CABOT, Godfrey L. (1922-1924)
  
  
• PATTERSON, Fred R. (1924-1926)
  
  
• McDONNELL, Edward O. (1926-1928)
  
  

It is interesting to note that the NAA issued FAI Balloon Pilot Certificates from 1922 to 1957, but since 1957, has only issued "International Sporting Licenses" to participants in sanctioned sporting competitions. The NAA ceased issuing airplane (but not balloon) Pilot Certificates on 1 January 1927, when the United States Government undertook the responsibility through the Civil Aeronautics Administration. Its successor, the FAA, has issued all pilot certificates (incl. balloons) since 1957.