Program Dedicated To Bob Hoover

John Travolta, the “Official Ambassador of Aviation,” will host of the 12th Annual “Living Legends of Aviation Awards,” which will be held at the Beverly Hilton ballroom on January 16, 2015.  This year’s awards are being dedicated to Bob Hoover, the first inductee of the “Living Legend of Aviation.” The Legends are celebrating Bob’s 93rd birthday along with special guests attending to honor this famous Legend.

John Travolta will be presenting the “Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award” to Angelina Jolie, an instrument rated pilot who recently directed and debuted the movie, Unbroken, about the life of Louis Zamperini, a WWII airman.

Mr. Herb Kelleher, founder, 20 year CEO and 30 year executive chairman, of Southwest Airlines, will receive the Legend’s top honor, the “Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award.”  The award will be presented by last year’s recipient, Mr. Frederick Smith, founder and CEO of Fedex.

Mr. Elling Halvorson, founder of Papillon Helicopters, will receive the “Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award,” presented by Bell Helicopter.

Michimasa Fujino, founder and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company, will be presented with the Legend’s “Aviation Industry Leader of the Year Award.”

Legend Harrison Ford will present the “Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award” to Mark Baker, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).

The “Living Legends of Aviation” annual awards are considered the most prestigious and important recognition event in aviation.  The awards program starts with the “Flown West Tribute,” which honors those Legends that took their last flight West. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, tributes will be given to Ed Swearingen, Tom Danaher, and Delford Smith. Immediately following, Kiddie Hawk’s host, John Travolta, will induct the three new “Living Legends of Aviation”: Bruce Whitman, chairman and CEO of FlightSafety, Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines, and Major General Carl McNair, retired Army and chairman of Air Methods.

Legend Buzz Aldrin’s 85th birthday will be celebrated at the After Awards Party on the roof of the Beverly Hilton.

FMI: www.livinglegendsofaviation.org