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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 17, 2025 ~ The 22nd Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards, hosted by the "Official Ambassador of Aviation" John Travolta, will take place on Friday, April 25, 2025 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. This prestigious event will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the aviation and aerospace industries.
Among the honorees are three new inductees who will join the ranks of the Living Legends of Aviation. These include Christopher Cassidy, a former NASA astronaut and Navy SEAL with over 377 days logged in space; Robert "Hoot" Gibson, a decorated Navy fighter pilot and veteran astronaut; and Tom Costello, an Emmy award-winning NBC News Correspondent and lead Aviation & Space Correspondent.
The event will also pay tribute to the aerial fire crews who played a crucial role in fighting the destructive Los Angeles area fires earlier this year. Living Legend Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, along with Morgan Freeman and other notable figures, will honor these brave men and women for their heroic efforts.
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In addition to honoring those in aviation and aerospace, the awards ceremony will also recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. This includes Kaye Gitibin, co-founder and CEO of Go Rentals - the only vehicle rental company specializing in private aviation with NATA Safety First certification.
Ronald Draper, CEO of Textron Aviation, will receive the "Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award" for his role in shaping the future of aviation innovation through brands such as Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker. Burt Rutan, a retired American aerospace engineer and entrepreneur known for designing record-breaking aircrafts such as Voyager and SpaceShipOne, will be presented with the Dr. Sam B. Williams Technology Award.
Sir Peter Beck will be honored with the Eren Ozmen Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his work as founder and CEO of Rocket Lab - a leading launch and space systems company that is opening access to space for the betterment of life on Earth.
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The Barron Hilton Aviation Inspiration Award will be presented to LCDR Amanda "Stalin" Lee, the first female demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels. And Kenn Ricci's Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award will be given to Louis Pepper, former CEO of Atlantic Aviation and a pioneer in the general aviation industry.
The event will also include a special tribute to four Legends who have passed away since the last gathering - Richard "Dick" Rutan, Roy Morgan, Brig. Gen. Clarence E. "BUD" Anderson, and Major General William "Bill" Anders.
The Living Legends of Aviation is a prestigious group of individuals who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments in aviation and aerospace. With over 100 members from around the world, they include entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, astronauts, record breakers, and even celebrities who have become pilots.
The Living Legends of Aviation Awards are produced by Kiddie Hawk Air Academy - a non-profit organization with a mission to educate children about aviation and spark their interest in the industry. For more information about this event and the Living Legends of Aviation, please visit livinglegendsofaviation.org.
Among the honorees are three new inductees who will join the ranks of the Living Legends of Aviation. These include Christopher Cassidy, a former NASA astronaut and Navy SEAL with over 377 days logged in space; Robert "Hoot" Gibson, a decorated Navy fighter pilot and veteran astronaut; and Tom Costello, an Emmy award-winning NBC News Correspondent and lead Aviation & Space Correspondent.
The event will also pay tribute to the aerial fire crews who played a crucial role in fighting the destructive Los Angeles area fires earlier this year. Living Legend Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, along with Morgan Freeman and other notable figures, will honor these brave men and women for their heroic efforts.
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In addition to honoring those in aviation and aerospace, the awards ceremony will also recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry. This includes Kaye Gitibin, co-founder and CEO of Go Rentals - the only vehicle rental company specializing in private aviation with NATA Safety First certification.
Ronald Draper, CEO of Textron Aviation, will receive the "Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award" for his role in shaping the future of aviation innovation through brands such as Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker. Burt Rutan, a retired American aerospace engineer and entrepreneur known for designing record-breaking aircrafts such as Voyager and SpaceShipOne, will be presented with the Dr. Sam B. Williams Technology Award.
Sir Peter Beck will be honored with the Eren Ozmen Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his work as founder and CEO of Rocket Lab - a leading launch and space systems company that is opening access to space for the betterment of life on Earth.
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The Barron Hilton Aviation Inspiration Award will be presented to LCDR Amanda "Stalin" Lee, the first female demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels. And Kenn Ricci's Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award will be given to Louis Pepper, former CEO of Atlantic Aviation and a pioneer in the general aviation industry.
The event will also include a special tribute to four Legends who have passed away since the last gathering - Richard "Dick" Rutan, Roy Morgan, Brig. Gen. Clarence E. "BUD" Anderson, and Major General William "Bill" Anders.
The Living Legends of Aviation is a prestigious group of individuals who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments in aviation and aerospace. With over 100 members from around the world, they include entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, astronauts, record breakers, and even celebrities who have become pilots.
The Living Legends of Aviation Awards are produced by Kiddie Hawk Air Academy - a non-profit organization with a mission to educate children about aviation and spark their interest in the industry. For more information about this event and the Living Legends of Aviation, please visit livinglegendsofaviation.org.
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