Living Legends of Aviation Awards welcome new inductees
The 21st Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards have been held, honouring those who have made significant contributions to aviation/aerospace and welcoming the latest Living Legend inductees.
Above: (left to right) Fred George, Steve Hinton, John Travolta, Prince Harry (The Duke of Sussex) and Marc Parent.
Courtesy Kiddie Hawk Air Academy / Copyright 2024 LLoA / Larry Grace
John Travolta, the 'Official Ambassador of Aviation' hosted the 21st annual 'Living Legends of Aviation Awards' on 19th January 2024, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Actors Morgan Freeman and Kurt Russell, musician Kenny G and more than 70 Living Legends of Aviation were also in attendance.
The Living Legends of Aviation (LLoA) are individuals who are recognised for their exceptional contribution to the field. This year's Living Legend inductees included Fred George (a US Navy pilot and world-renowned aviation writer), Steve Hinton (an American aviator who held a world-speed record from 1979 to 1989), Prince Harry (The Duke of Sussex) and Marc Parent (President and CEO of CAE).
Highlights of the evening included Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, being inducted as a Living Legend. He spent the first 10 years of his adulthood serving in the British Army, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan as a forward air controller and an Apache helicopter pilot.
"I am proud to be recognised amongst such a dynamic and inspiring group of individuals," said Prince Harry. "For me flying has been a transcendent experience, a close encounter with magic, an invitation to both protect freedom and to feel free."
Lauren Sánchez received the 'Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award'. Ms Sánchez is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, news anchor and founder of Black Ops Aviation, one of the first female owned aerial film and production companies.
"As I'm accepting this award tonight, I do so with a promise to continue to be an advocate and a mentor to pave the way for more women in aviation," said Ms Sánchez.