Aviation Legends Gather for 22nd Annual Awards Ceremony in Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 17, 2025 — The 22nd Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards is set to take place on Friday, April 25, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of aviation and aerospace.

John Travolta, recognized as the ‘Official Ambassador of Aviation,’ alongside the Living Legends of Aviation, will welcome three new inductees to its prestigious ranks. Notable attendees include Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman, both of whom will pay tribute to the aerial fire crews that bravely battled destructive wildfires in the Los Angeles area earlier this year.

This year’s ceremony will feature a special segment honoring the men and women involved in aerial firefighting operations, who conducted hundreds of missions under challenging conditions to protect lives and property. Their dedication and efforts will be acknowledged as a crucial part of the event.

The inaugural Dr. Buzz Aldrin Space Advancement Award will be presented to the Polaris Dawn Crew, including Commander Jared Isaacman, Mission Pilot Scott ‘Kid’ Poteet, Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis, and Medical Officer Anna Menon. This team undertook pioneering experiments and high-altitude orbital maneuvers, including the first private spacewalk.

Kaye Gitibin will receive the Aviation Entrepreneur Award for her role as co-founder and CEO of Go Rentals, the only vehicle rental company globally that specializes in private aviation and is NATA Safety First certified.

Ronald Draper, CEO of Textron Aviation, will be honored with the Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award for his leadership in the growth of the Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker brands, contributing to advancements in aviation innovation. Draper, a West Point graduate and former UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, brings decades of experience in aviation manufacturing and community service.

The Dr. Sam B. Williams Technology Award will be awarded to Burt Rutan, a retired aerospace engineer known for designing the Voyager aircraft, the first to circumnavigate the globe without refueling, and SpaceShipOne, the first privately funded manned spacecraft to reach space.

Sir Peter Beck will be celebrated with the Eren Ozmen Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year Award for founding Rocket Lab, a leader in launch and space systems, which he has transformed into a global operator with a workforce of 2,500 spanning the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand.

LCDR Amanda ‘Stalin’ Lee will be the recipient of the Barron Hilton Aviation Inspiration Award for making history as the first female demonstration pilot for the Blue Angels, earning honors such as four Navy Achievement medals.

Louis Pepper will receive the Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award for his significant impact on Atlantic Aviation, which he built into one of the largest general aviation companies before stepping down as CEO in 2023. He now serves on the company’s board and as a senior advisor.

In keeping with tradition, the ceremony will also include the ‘Flown West’ tribute, honoring four aviation legends who passed 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 composed of individuals who have achieved extraordinary accomplishments in aviation and aerospace, including entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, and pilots. More than 100 legends from across the globe are recognized within this prestigious group.

The Living Legends of Aviation Awards are produced by a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering children’s interest in aviation, with more information available through their website.

For additional details, media inquiries may be directed to Patty Kovacevich.