The Kent K. Gillingham Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution in the fields of spatial disorientation and situational awareness related to flight. It is sponsored by AMST.

Ian Curry, B.Med.Sci., BM, BS, M.Sc., D.Av.Med., is the 2026 winner of the Kent K. Gillingham Award for being at the forefront of spatial disorientation (SD) research and training for over two decades. He has distinguished himself through a unique combination of practical flying experience and scientific expertise. Since 1996, he has been instrumental in developing and implementing a comprehensive SD training program for British Army pilots that stands as a model of innovation and effectiveness. His approach is remarkable for its depth and consistency, requiring pilots to undergo in-flight SD training during initial training and every 5 years thereafter. Drawing upon his extensive experience as both a helicopter pilot and flight surgeon, he has personally conducted over 250 SD training sorties, creating an innovative in-flight training experience that graphically illustrates the critical limitations of human sensory perception. His academic contributions to SD are equally impressive and impactful. He has published multiple influential papers and presented at numerous prestigious conferences, including a landmark presentation on “Spatial Disorientation as a Cause of Mishaps in Combat Helicopter Operations” and his seminal work on “Spatial Disorientation Mitigation through Training”. These contributions extend beyond mere academic exercise, as he has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical aviation safety improvements.