posted 10-13-2025 09:43 PM               

The National Aviation Hall of Fame Announces the 'Class of 2026'

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is proud to announce the outstanding individuals selected for induction into the Hall with the Class of 2026. These trailblazers have made groundbreaking contributions to aviation and aerospace, from breaking barriers and advancing safety standards to pioneering innovative technologies and inspiring future generations. Their induction ceremony will take place on September 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C., underscoring the NAHF's enduring mission to honor America's aerospace legends and inspire future leaders.

Since its founding in 1962, Enshrinement into the NAHF has widely been recognized as the pinnacle of individual achievement in aviation and space exploration, celebrating pioneers who have shaped the industry while inspiring future generations to follow in their groundbreaking footsteps. With 270 notable individuals enshrined to date, it remains the only Congressionally chartered aviation hall of fame in the United States. The inductees are chosen by a distinguished panel of aviation professionals from across the country who serve on the NAHF Board of Nominations, undertaking the challenging task of selecting the most deserving pioneers in air and space each year.

"We are honored to recognize the extraordinary achievements of the Class of 2026," said Aimee Maruyama, President and CEO of the National Aviation Hall of Fame. "From pioneering stealth technology and aerospace education to redefining human spaceflight and aviation safety, this year's class reflects the full spectrum of innovation and leadership in aerospace. Their contributions have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations. We are grateful to the NAHF Board of Nominations for their thoughtful work in selecting such a distinguished group of honorees."

The NAHF Class of 2026 inductees will be celebrated for their enduring impact on the aviation industry and their contributions to its future.

Meet the Distinguished Class of 2026

The NAHF Class of 2026 is a remarkable ensemble of individuals who have left an indelible mark on the aviation and space industries. Their contributions span a wide spectrum of accomplishments, furthering the frontiers of flight and exploration. This year's honorees include:

• (The Late) William F. Bahret

  Groundbreaking radar engineer at Wright Field's Avionics Lab, Bahret is often called "the father of stealth." He developed groundbreaking methods to measure and predict radar signatures based on shape and materials—without the need for physical models. His work identified key contributors to radar reflection, such as curved surfaces, jet turbines, and antennas. By the 1960s, his theories had been applied to stealth-enhancing designs, such as the Hound Dog missile, placing the U.S. decades ahead in radar evasion technology and laying the foundation for modern low-observable aircraft.

• (The Late) Leonard Michael Greene

  Visionary inventor and aerodynamics engineer, Greene held more than 200 patents to improve aviation safety and performance. He is best known for inventing the widely adopted Aircraft Stall Warning device, a critical advancement that has saved countless lives. To bring his innovations to market, he founded Safe Flight Instrument Corporation in 1946, which became a leading developer of aircraft safety systems. Beyond engineering, Greene was also a compassionate humanitarian. In 1981, he co-founded the Corporate Angel Network, which uses the empty seats on corporate aircraft to fly cancer patients to treatment at no cost.

• Dr. Shannon Lucid

  Former NASA astronaut and biochemist who logged over 5,300 hours in space across five missions, including a record-setting 188-day stay aboard Russia's Mir Space Station. Selected as an astronaut in 1978, she was among the first women to join NASA's astronaut corps and later served as NASA's Chief Scientist. Her pioneering achievements in spaceflight and science have inspired generations and earned her international recognition as a leader in human space exploration.

• (The Late) John D. Odegard

  Born and raised in Minot, North Dakota, Odegard was the visionary founder of the University of North Dakota's School of Aerospace Sciences. Odegard transformed a small flight program into one of the world's leading collegiate aviation schools. Starting with two aircraft and a handful of students, he grew UND into a global leader in pilot education, aerospace research, and space studies. He pioneered FAA‑accredited degree programs, helped develop international training standards, and expanded UND's work in weather, atmospheric science, and space exploration, leaving a legacy that continues to shape aviation education worldwide.

• Captain Ross Perot Jr.

  Accomplished business leader and aviation pioneer who made history as the first person to circumnavigate the globe in a helicopter at age 23, co-piloting the Bell 206L-2 "Spirit of Texas" in 1982. A lifelong champion of aerospace innovation, he developed the nation's first purely industrial airport—Fort Worth Alliance Airport—and continues to break records, most recently setting multiple speed records in the Gulfstream G650ER. As Chairman of The Perot Group and Hillwood, he is advancing next-generation aviation technologies while actively supporting programs that inspire young people to pursue careers in flight and engineering, ensuring a strong future for the industry he has helped shape.

• Captain C. B. "Sully" Sullenberger

  Acclaimed airline captain whose quick thinking and calm leadership during the emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009 saved all 155 people on board. The event, known as the "Miracle on the Hudson," made him a global symbol of aviation heroism. In the years since, he has become a leading advocate for aviation safety, pilot training, and public service, including serving as U.S. Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization.

• Dr. Peggy Whitson

  Accomplished biochemist and astronaut whose groundbreaking career spans both NASA and commercial human spaceflight. She flew three long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station, became the first woman to command the ISS, and later commanded two Axiom Space missions. In 2009, she was appointed NASA's Chief of the Astronaut Office, the first woman and first non-pilot ever to hold the role. With a U.S. record for the most cumulative days in space and more than 60 hours of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) or spacewalking, she continues to advance human spaceflight as a leader at Axiom Space and serves as a powerful inspiration to future explorers.