Sixth Annual "Living Legends of Aviation" Awards Ceremony Slated for Jan. 22

Jan. 14, 2009
Ceremony will honor Harrison Ford, Sir Richard Branson, and others.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA -- The 6th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards are taking flight on January 22nd at the Beverly Hilton. Harrison Ford will receive with the Legends Aviation Legacy Award for his countless hours of service introducing thousands of young people to flight. In the words of Harrison Ford on his passion for aviation: "Those who are bound to the Earth by gravity -- and are without an airplane -- don't really see the world the way a pilot does. There's so much beauty in flight."

Sir Richard Branson will be celebrated with the Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award for his never-ending creativity, passion, and thirst for discovery. As one of today's most accomplished entrepreneurs, Sir Richard Branson's innovation excellence is inspirational.

Often referred to as the Academy Awards of Aviation, the ceremony is produced by Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a non-profit which introduces kids to aviation. "The award ceremony recognizes great work, dedication and accomplishments in aviation. The importance of leadership and commitment in these challenging economic times make this recognition event even more significant," said Paul Lips, spokesperson for the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy.

Additional awards presented by the Legends throughout the evening include:

  • Special "Flown West" Tribute to the late pilot, producer, and director Sydney Pollack and test pilot Johnny Myers
  • Freedom of Flight Award: Emily Howell-Warner, first female commercial pilot
  • Legends Top Flyer Award: USAF F-22 Raptor pilot Paul "Max" Moga
  • Aviation Industry Leader of the Year Award: Ed Bolen, President of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
  • More honorees to be revealed the night of the ceremony

"I consider being inducted in the Living Legends of Aviation last year among the most important happenings of my life," said aviation legend Bob Lutz (Co-Chair General Motors).

This year's celebrity attendees will include: Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Maj. Gen. Bill Anders, Bud Anderson, Tony Bill, Dr. Forrest Bird, Linden Blue, Neal Blue, Sir Richard Branson, Gene Cernan, Joe Clark, Julie Clark, Pat Epps, Craig Ferguson, Charles Hall, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Greg Herrick, Barron Hilton, Bob Hoover, Lee Iacocca, Alan Klapmeier, Lorenzo Lamas, Clay Lacy, Bob Lutz, Bruce McCaw, Mike Melvill, Max Moga, Zoe Del Nutter, Paul Poberezny, Vern Raburn, James Raisbeck, Cliff Robertson, Si Robin, Kurt Russell, Dick Rutan, Carroll Shelby, Murray Smith, Ed Swearingen, Brian Terwilliger, Sean Tucker, Steven Udvar-Hazy, Patty Wagstaff, Emily Howell-Warner, and Kermit Weeks.

For more information visit www.airportjournals.com/legends.