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uestion. Does aviation have more than its share of legends and heroes? Or does aviation just dole out more honors and awards? I’m biased, but I believe it’s the
former. |
Aviation draws people who climb higher and go farther than most. I was reminded of this recently when I attended the International Air & Space Hall of Fame induction at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Celebrating 50 Years
Since its inception
in 1963, the International Air & Space Hall of Fame has honored
nearly 200 of the world’s most significant members of the aviation
community. Their contributions and innovative spirits have left a
mark on our world.
The class of 2013
includes my father, internationally renowned air-to-air photographer
Paul Bowen. Our family was there en masse. Beaming. As were the
families of the other honorees.
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| The Legends of Flight gala felt extra special as it also celebrated the museum’s 50th anniversary. |
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The complete
list . . .
WWII Flying Ace and quintessential fighter pilot
Dean “Diz” Laird
WWII 357th Fighter Group “Yoxford Boys” Triple Ace
Bud Anderson
Red Bull Stratos Project/High Altitude Jumpers:
Felix
Baumgartner, retired Air Force Colonel
Joe Kittinger and
Art Thompson
NASA’s Mission Control, with
Glynn Lunney,
Gene Kranz
Apollo 16’s lunar-visiting team:
John
Young,
Ken Mattingly
and
Charlie Duke
Air-travel pioneer and former American Airlines Chairman/CEO
Bob Crandall
National Business Aviation Association with President Ed Bolen accepting
US Airways Flight 1549
Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and the
“Miracle on the Hudson” crew
And my stunning-image-capturing dad,
Paul Bowen |
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Pushing Us Forward
This diverse group of moonwalking, skydiving, lifesaving, freedom-protecting, icon-building individuals share common traits. Courage. Passion. Skill. Patriotism. The actions they’ve taken and the example they’ve set inspire the rest of us.
The Future of Aviation
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Perhaps what I took away most from this evening
with family and friends old and new was how the actions of others affect us.
The humble men and women inducted into the
Hall of Fame were quick to credit and acknowledge others as equally deserving of
recognition - and to rally the crowd to reach out to the next generation.
Over and again, I heard them talk about the need
to inspire young people. To spark their curiosity. To ratchet up the cool factor for STEM (science,
technology, engineering and mathematics) education.
The human spirit, once ignited, can accomplish
most anything. For proof, just look at the 2013 Hall of Fame inductees. |
| NBAA President
Ed Bolen accepted the Hall of Fame award on behalf of his organization.
NBAA was acknowledged for its 65 years of advocacy. |
The San Diego Air & Space Museum is one of the leading providers of K-12 STEM education in Balboa Park. Proceeds from the induction ceremony benefit SDASM youth educational programs, which help educate and prepare more than 11,000 children for careers in STEM fields.
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| 2013 International Air & Space Hall of Fame Honorees gather for a pre-event press conference. |
| (Photo courtesy James Maciariello, Masterwork
Image) |
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| ©BlueSky
Business Aviation News | 28th November 2013 | Issue #250 |
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