The Living Legends of Aviation® Red Carpet Returns to the Beverly Hilton
The 23rd Annual Living Legends of Aviation® Awards is set to take place on January 23, 2026, at the renowned Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. This exciting event brings together Hollywood star power and aerospace innovation, showcasing the achievements of those who are shaping the future of flight and space exploration.
Celebrating Achievements in Aviation
Hosted by John Travolta, the Official Ambassador of Aviation, this year’s awards have been dubbed the “Academy Awards of Aviation” by aviator Morgan Freeman. The red carpet will feature a diverse mix of musicians, entrepreneurs, astronauts, and industry leaders, all coming together to honor incredible contributions to aviation. Among the attendees will be Morgan Freeman and the legendary saxophonist Kenny G, both passionate aviators.
John Travolta expressed his excitement, stating, “The Living Legends of Aviation is where Hollywood and the flight deck meet. It’s an incredible night when the people who entertain the world stand shoulder to shoulder with those who push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sky and beyond.”
New Inductees into the Living Legends of Aviation
This year’s event will see six remarkable individuals inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation, each showcasing their significant contributions to aviation:
Eileen M. Collins: The first female space shuttle pilot and commander, Eileen flew four shuttle missions, including historic deployments.
Dan Drohan: A lifelong pilot, Dan founded Sunset Aviation and Solairus, growing into one of the world’s top business jet fleets.
Aaron Tippin: Not only a country music star, but Aaron also runs a flight school in Tennessee, sharing the joy of flying with many.
Mark Burns: After 40 years at Gulfstream, Mark has been a key player in introducing new aircraft and expanding facilities.
Doug King: Doug led Epic Aircraft to new heights with innovative turboprop aircraft that set benchmarks in speed and automation.
Lee Lauderback: A seasoned pilot with over 22,750 flight hours, Lee has contributed significantly to corporate aviation.
Awards Recognizing Excellence in Aviation
Alongside the inductions, several prestigious awards will be presented during the evening:
Dr. Sam B. Williams Technology Award: Presented to Patrick Waddick for his work in advancing safety and innovation at Cirrus.
Barron Hilton Aviation Inspiration Award: Given to Xyla Foxlin for her efforts in promoting STEM education and mental health in aviation.
Eren Ozmen Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year Award: Awarded to Steuart Walton and Philipp Steinbach for their contributions to Game Aerospace.
Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award: Tony Lefebvre will be honored for his extensive career in aviation leadership.
Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award: George Antoniadis for launching PlaneSense® and revolutionizing private aviation.
Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award: Randy Waldman for his dual passion in music and flying.
Additionally, Elon Musk will receive the Dr. Buzz Aldrin Space Advancement Award for his revolutionary work with SpaceX, pushing for a multiplanetary future.
A Night for Everyone Interested in Aviation
Stacey Elsner, the Executive Director of the Living Legends of Aviation, emphasized the significance of the event: “What makes this night special is that it is compelling for everyone involved or fascinated with flight. It’s a celebration of human achievement in every direction.”
A Purpose Beyond Recognition
This glamorous evening serves a higher purpose. Proceeds from the event will support Kiddie Hawk Air Academy®, a nonprofit organization dedicated to introducing children to aviation through engaging STEM experiences. The goal is to inspire the next generation of pilots, engineers, astronauts, and innovators.
Stacey Elsner noted, “The celebrities help draw the spotlight, but the real legacy of this event is the kids who look up at the night sky and decide they want to be part of that story one day. The Legends are here to celebrate achievement, but they’re also here to pass the torch.”
About the Living Legends of Aviation®
Founded on December 17, 2003, the Living Legends of Aviation® honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to aviation and aerospace. The Legends include astronauts, entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, and celebrity pilots, all of whom have advanced the art and science of flight.
About Kiddie Hawk Air Academy®
Kiddie Hawk Air Academy® is a nonprofit organization focused on sparking children’s interest in aviation through interactive programs and STEM-based curriculum. Their goal is to inspire young minds and help create the next generation of aviators and aviation legends.
