2011 Living Legends of Aviation Awards Presented By Learjet 2

Dear Roger Bishop, A special THANK YOU to all the wonderful people who participated in the 8th Annual "Living Legends of Aviation" Awards.  Kiddie Hawk Air Academy would especially like to thank our sponsors: Bombardier Learjet MD Helicopters Professional Pilot Magazine Qantas Breitling Aston Martin Elite Aviation Aviation Partners Air Lease Corporation Host John Travolta and Legend Steven F. Udvar-Hazy welcomed and inducted the newest member of the 70 Living Legends of Aviation, M. Laurent Beaudoin.  Mr. Beaudoin's extraordinary entrepreneurial talents helped build Bombardier into a world leader in aerospace and rail transportation. Recipient of the Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award was Pat Epps. Epps' legacy began in Georgia, where his father flew the first homemade plane in Georgia, just a few years after the Wright Brothers famous first flight.  Pat founded Epps Aviation at the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Atlanta. Harrison said, "Pat clearly makes the world a better place through aviation by introducing children to aviation." Clay Jones was chosen as Aviation Industry Leader of the Year.  Well respected, he is the President, CEO, and Chairman of Rockwell Collins.  He recently testified in front of Congress and when asked about how he arrived said "I am glad you asked that... I arrived by business jet.."  and then proceeded to explain the reasons for this most valuable business tool. Lynn Tilton, Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year, was honored for her audacity to open a shuttered MD Helicopters and breathe life back into the company.  With great fortitude and commitment, Lynn battles the learning curve, the economy, and continues to hire and employ skilled Americans, in addition to the 74 other companies she owns. The Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award was presented by last year's recipient, Joe Clark;  Bruce McCaw introduced  Delford M. Smith, a true pioneer who created Evergreen International Aviation.  Mr. Smith's mission is using aircraft and helicopters as vehicles of industry and angels of mercy. He built and dedicated the Evergreen Air & Space Museum in Oregon. Kurt Russell and John Travolta honored emcee Sean Tucker with the Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award.  His aerobatic performances dazzle the world, as Sean is recognized in aviation as the world's top performer. Captain Sully Sullenberger and Maj. General Bill Anders presented Captain James Lovell with the "Captain Cool Award" for his remarkable "cool" as commander of Apollo13.  The Apollo 13 commander brought the disabled vessel back to earth through tremendous odds and adversity.   Sully's comments about both of them landing on water, even though his wasn't planned, brought the audience to a standing ovation. Bob Hoover's Freedom of Flight Award was introduced and presented by Bob Hoover. Bob spoke of General Jimmy Doolittle, his friend, and presented the "Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award" to Jimmy Doolittle III, on behalf of the Doolittle Raiders. Bob's  second Freedom of Flight Award went to Congressman Sam Johnson, a true patriot, who has served his country as a jet pilot, war hero, POW during the Viet Nam war, Thunderbird jet pilot, and U.S. Congressman. Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopter founder, was honored with the Lifetime Aviation Engineering Award.  His determination and goal to make a small, inexpensive helicopter for civil use recently delivered his 10,000th helicopter. Cliff Robertson, Founding and Presiding Aviation Legend and Ambassador of Aviation Emeritus, closed the awards dinner with some fun comments.  The Après awards party was held on the roof and penthouse area of the Beverly Hilton.  Bob Hoover, Harrison Ford, Kurt Russell, Craig Ferguson, Zoe Dell Lantis Nutter, and other Legends and guests attended the festivities. The "Academy Awards of Aviation" would not be complete without the red carpet. Please visit the 2011 Living Legends of Aviation Photo Album for complete photo coverage.  We hope you enjoy them as much as we have.  Morgan Freeman helped found the "Living Legends of Aviation" and his voice each year in the "Flown West" tribute makes the solemn recognition of those Legends that took their last flight West even more meaningful.  There were no "Legends" lost this year;  a special tribute was given by Morgan to all the Legends that have died since the organization was founded eight years ago. NBAA, GAMA,  EAA, AOPA, and the National Aviation Hall of Fame were all represented at the event. Kiddie Hawk is in need of corporate and individual sponsors to help Kiddie Hawk attend Oshkosh, the Reno Air Races, and the many other events where high concentrations of aviation-minded children attend.  Please contact us to discuss sponsorship and volunteer opportunities!  We are also looking for individual sponsors for the Jet Trainers.  If you are interested in sponsoring the production of a Jet Trainer and would like your name listed as the Captain of your Trainer, please call or email. We have a few "Living Legends of Aviation" items left and we would like to offer them to supporters of the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy.  We have the following items available: Donate Here   $50.00 Donation Golf shirt $200.00 Donation Backpack $500.00 Donation Jacket $700.00 All three items