History

The Order of Aeronautical Virtue was established by King Carol II in 1930. It was suppressed in 1947 following the abolition of the Romanian monarchy, but it was reinstated in 2000 following the collapse of the communist regime.

From 1930-1937 the Order was conferred upon Romanian military aviation personnel in recognition of distinguished service. It was awarded to Axis aviation personnel (including German Luftwaffe personnel) during the Second World War, and from 1938-1947 it could be awarded with swords in recognition of wartime merit. The Order is currently conferred in two divisions upon Romanian citizens and foreigners in recognition of meritorious service in the field of aeronautics. It may also be awarded posthumously.

The ribbon is edged in gold for all decorations conferred in recognition of wartime merit.

Membership in the Knight grade is currently limited to 150 members in the Civil Division and 450 members in the Military Division. There is no limit on wartime conferral.

There are two Types of the Knight. The I Type shows the cypher of King Carol II, and the II Type features the cypher of King Mihai I. The Knight (Military Division, peacetime, 2000-) has a wreath between the arms of the cross, and the Knight (Military Division, wartime, 2000-) has a wreath and swords between the arms of the cross.

There may be additional versions of the Knight that differ in size or composition due to a variety of manufacturers.

The later versions are listed in the Orders of Romania (1990-).