9th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards Take Flight

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Jan 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The "Living Legends of Aviation"®, Bell Helicopter and ONEflight International have joined with title sponsor Bombardier Learjet in presenting the 9th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards to be held January 20, 2012, at the Beverly Hilton.

Every year the attendees describe the evening as a "WOW event."  This year's awards program promises to be another unforgettable experience. This year's gala will feature a special "Flown West" tribute to founding Legend Cliff Robertson. Other honorees include Burt Rutan who recently joined with Paul Allen to revolutionize space travel.  Morgan Freeman will receive the "Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award."

Dr. Richard Sugden, a Jackson, Wyoming physician, is a Wounded Warrior program volunteer, a Young Eagles volunteer, and actively works in Kenya to thwart poaching and improve wildlife conservation efforts.  Harrison Ford will present the "Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award" to Dr. Sugden.

The "Aviation Industry Leader of the Year" will be presented to Mark Van Tine, President and CEO of Jeppesen.

Lynn Tilton, last year's recipient of the "Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year Award," will be presenting this year's award to Eren and Fatih Ozmen. These dynamic leaders of Sierra Nevada Corporation have taken their company from 20 employees to over 2100 employees in just a few years.

J. Robert Duncan, Duncan Aviation, will be honored with the "Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award." An innovator in business aviation, he grew his family business from less than 100 employees to over 1,940 employees.

Sully Sullenberger will be inducted into the "Living Legends of Aviation."  Captain Sullenberger successfully landed U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River safely, saving all 155 passengers and crew members, and continues to be engaged in aircraft safety and in the EAA Eagles Program. Other inductees include Elon Musk, Steve and Suzanne Asbury Oliver, Barry Schiff, Jeff Puckett, Preston Henne, and John and Martha King. Over 50 Living Legends of Aviation will be in attendance at the most prestigious and important recognition event of aviation.

All of aviation will celebrate Bob Hoover's 90th Birthday with the Legends as they are planning a special "Birthday Bash" for the greatest pilot on the planet at the After Awards Party.

Sponsors: Air Lease Corporation, Aviation Partners, Bombardier Learjet, Bell Helicopter, Breitling, ONEflight International, Clay Lacy Aviation, Gulfstream, Jet Aviation, Jeppesen, Qantas and Schultz & Associates.

About Living Legends of Aviation

The "Living Legends of Aviation" are defined as aviation entrepreneurs, innovators, record breakers, industry leaders, astronauts, pilots who have become celebrities and celebrities who have become pilots. The Legends meet the 3rd Friday of every January to recognize and honor individuals that have made significant contributions in aviation. The "Living Legends of Aviation"® is a registered trademark.

About Kiddie Hawk Air Academy

The Living Legends of Aviation Awards event is produced by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a non-profit 501(c)(3) qualified organization.  Kiddie Hawk introduces children ages 4 thru 9 to flight with the Kiddie Hawk Trainers. These trainers allow kids to take their first flight lesson with the sophistication of motion and control of real flight, piloting their airplane, albeit a few feet off the ground. Kiddie Hawk's programs also introduce youngsters to other aviation related careers and makes scholarships available when these children enter actual flight training.

SOURCE Kiddie Hawk Air Academy