John Travolta, the “Official Ambassador of Aviation ®,” hosted the prestigious “Living Legends of Aviation Awards,” which was held at the Beverly Hilton ballroom on January 16, 2015. The 12th Annual Awards Saluted Bob Hoover and his 93rd birthday, along with special guests attending to honor this Charter “Living Legend of Aviation.” Our host Jackie Watson the French reporter had her eye on the festivities and caught up with some of the attendees.
John Travolta inducted three new Legends. The new inductees are Bruce Whitman, chairman and CEO of FlightSafety; Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines; and Major General Carl McNair, retired Army and considered the Father of modern Army Aviation. A special presentation to Cynthia Zamperini-Garris, daughter of Olympian, World War II hero and inspiration, the late Louis Zamperini.
Mr. Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines, received the Legend’s “Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award.”
Mr. Elling Halvorson, founder of Papillon Helicopters, honored with vertical flights highest honor, the “Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award.”
Michimasa Fujino, founder and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, was presented with the Legend’s “Aviation Industry Leader of the Year Award.”
Legend Harrison Ford presented the “Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award” to Mark Baker, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
Legend Buzz Aldrin’s 85th birthday was celebrated at the After Awards Party on the roof of the Beverly Hilton.
Presenting Sponsors and Kiddie Hawk partners for the Awards are Bell Helicopter, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Sierra Nevada Corp.
