posted 10-03-2017 02:06 PM               

2017 International Air & Space Hall of Fame Induction Celebration

Join the San Diego Air & Space Museum in celebrating the honorees on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, in the Pavilion of Flight. Guests from around the world are assembling for a spectacular evening of fun and extraordinary recognition, as each attendee is treated to an experiential peek into the lives of these air and space legends.

Since 1963, the International Air & Space Hall of Fame has honored more than 200 of the world's most significant pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, aerospace engineers, business leaders, preservationists, designers and space pioneers.

The Distinguished Class of 2017 includes:

• The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), with more than 30,000 members from 88 countries, and 95 corporate members, AIAA is the world's most significant technical society contributing to global aerospace excellence;

• the Atlas Rocket Program, America's first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) and NASA's most preferred space launch vehicle in history;

• Hudson B. Drake, former president of Ryan Electronics and the Ryan Aeronautical Companies, a legendary game-changer in the fields of aerospace, defense, and electronics for more than four decades;

• Embry-Riddle's Golden Eagles Flight Team (Prescott, AZ campus), the winningest intercollegiate flying team of the last two decades! 30 consecutive regional championships and 11 National championships, including back-to-back nationals in 2016 and 2017;

• John Herrington, NASA astronaut and the first Native American in space;

• Christa McAuliffe, first person selected for the NASA Teacher in Space Program, McAuliffe flew on the ill-fated Space Shuttle Challenger; awarded the prestigious Congressional Space Medal of Honor;

• John J. Montgomery, San Diego's own aviation pioneer, inventor, professor, physicist, and innovator – Montgomery Field; and

• Chance Vought, American aviation pioneer, engineer and the founder of the world-renowned Vought Aircraft Company.His accomplishments saved lives…ensuring increased combat readiness on the front lines of America's Navy.

"We're especially pleased to honor this exemplary Class of 2017 because these pioneers have not only made significant contributions in air and space exploration, they've also become strong positive role models for today's youth," said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. "Aviation and space exploration, as embodied by the honorees in the International Air & Space Hall of Fame, directly represents the human pioneering spirit. November 9 is THE evening of the year every guest will remember for the rest of their lives. We honor these legends on behalf of San Diegans, and really everyone in the world. People come from all over the globe to be at this celebration."

The International Air & Space Hall of Fame is the most prestigious induction of its kind in the world and is composed of hundreds of air and space pioneers, engineers, inventors, and innovators, along with adventurers, scientists, and industry leaders. NASA Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts and Russian cosmonauts are honored in the Hall of Fame, plus famous legends such as the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh and Chuck Yeager. Notable inductees include Igor Sikorsky, Wernher von Braun, Jack Northrop, William Boeing, Sr., Reuben H. Fleet, Glenn Curtiss, Walter Zable Sr., Fran Bera, Wally Schirra, Bill Anders, Jim Lovell, T. Claude Ryan, Jimmy Doolittle, Frederick Rohr, Waldo Waterman, Bob Hoover, Harrison Ford, Linden Blue, Patty Wagstaff, the NBAA, and many others.

Proceeds from the evening benefit the Museum's youth education programs.

"Inspiring kids to undertake tough science and engineering challenges is a critical first step for our future," Kidrick said. "We must also give them the resources and impetus they need to pursue science education degrees."