#United States #Beverly Hills #Ronald Draper #Polaris Dawn #Eileen Collins

Honoring Aviation Pioneers at the 22nd Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards

The aviation industry is set to gather for an inspiring evening as the 22nd Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards approaches. Scheduled for January 17, 2025, at the prestigious Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, this event will recognize extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of aviation and aerospace. The festivities will feature the renowned actor John Travolta as the host, often referred to as the "Official Ambassador of Aviation."

Among those being celebrated is Ronald Draper, the CEO of Textron Aviation, who will receive the coveted Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award. Draper's impact on the industry is undeniable; he has played a pivotal role in the growth of some of the most iconic aviation brands, including Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker. His journey isn't just business-focused; Draper has a storied history as a graduate of West Point and served as a pilot for the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.

Adding to the excitement, the inaugural Dr. Buzz Aldrin Space Advancement Award will be presented to the Polaris Dawn crew. This distinguished team, led by Commander Jared Isaacman, accomplished remarkable feats during their historic Polaris Dawn mission. The crew members, which also include Mission Pilot Scott "Kid" Poteet, and Mission Specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, executed groundbreaking experiments, high-altitude orbital maneuvers, and made history with the first-ever private spacewalk.

The spotlight will also shine on three notable inductees into the Living Legends of Aviation this year:

• - Eileen M. Collins - A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, Collins is celebrated as the first female pilot and commander of a NASA space shuttle. Over her impressive career, she has logged 6,751 hours in 30 different aircraft and also spent 872 hours in space.

• - Robert "Hoot" Gibson - A decorated Navy fighter pilot, Gibson is also a veteran astronaut and race pilot with a remarkable career. He has flown five missions aboard the space shuttle and has accumulated over 14,000 flight hours in more than 160 different aircraft.

• - Chris Cassidy - As a former NASA astronaut and Navy SEAL, Cassidy brings a wealth of experience, having spent 377 days in space, commanded a SEAL platoon, and completed three spaceflights and ten spacewalks.

The awards ceremony will also include a “Flown West” tribute, honoring four Legends who have passed on since the last gathering. This year’s honored names include Dick Rutan, Roy Morgan, Major General William Anders, and C.E. Bud Anderson.

The Living Legends of Aviation is a coalition of exceptional individuals recognized for their remarkable achievements in the aviation field. This prestigious organization comprises entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, record-breaking pilots, and celebrities, all of whom have contributed to the ever-evolving narrative of aviation history.

As the ceremony draws nearer, more honorees and inductees are expected to be announced, elevating the anticipation surrounding this exceptional event. The Living Legends of Aviation Awards are organized by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.

For those eager to learn more about the Living Legends of Aviation Awards or to secure tickets for the event, additional details can be found at LivingLegendsOfAviation.org. This is a unique opportunity to witness the celebration of aviation greatness and to reflect on the legacies of these influential figures.

Join us in honoring these pioneers and celebrating the spirit of aviation!