FREDERICK, MD – The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) was among a diverse class of aviation and aerospace pioneers inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum Nov. 17. James G. Kidrick, museum president and CEO, said the honorees are selected for their qualitative achievements and historic contributions to aviation, space, and aerospace innovation or expanding the public’s aviation and space awareness to the world.
“For 77 years AOPA has fought to protect the freedom to fly and promoted the benefits of aviation, and today we are looking to the future with programs like You Can Fly, which is working to create a new generation of pilots and support existing ones,” said AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker. "We proudly accept this award on behalf of our members who are focused on preserving and growing aviation.”
Joining AOPA in the class of 2016 were Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden; The Boeing Company—celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016; Coast Guard Aviation, also celebrating 100 years; aviation and space pioneer Dale Myers; non-sked airlines that emerged from World War II aviation; Orbis International Flying Eye Hospital; and the founders and organizers of the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California.
The awards dinner was held at the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s headquarters in Balboa Park. Funds from the event help support the museum’s youth education programs.
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About AOPA
Since 1939, AOPA has protected the freedom to fly by creating an environment that gives people of all ages the opportunity to enjoy aviation and all it has to offer. As the world’s largest community of pilots and aviation enthusiasts with representatives based in Frederick, Md., Washington, D.C., Wichita, Kans., and seven regions across the United States, AOPA’s events, initiatives, and services bring current and future pilots together and make aviation more accessible to everyone. To learn more, visit www.aopa.org.
