In addition to naming their 22nd round of inductees for the upcoming year, The Living Legends of Aviation also recently announced that Ron Draper, president and CEO of Textron Aviation, will receive the organization’s Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award during the ceremony taking place Friday, January 17, 2025 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
The Living Legends of Aviation “embodies the pioneering spirit, innovation, and excellence that define aviation and aerospace.” Past inductees include astronauts, accomplished civil and military aviators and other “remarkable men and women [who] have made profound contributions to the world of flight.”
“Ron Draper … has overseen the growth of Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker brands, shaping the future of aviation innovation,” the organization stated. “A West Point graduate, Draper served as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot and brings decades of leadership in aviation manufacturing and community service.”
New Living Legends of Aviation inductees for 2025 include astronauts Eileen Collins, Robert “Hoot” Gibson and Christopher Cassidy, as well as aviator and country music superstar Aaron Tippin.
Those joining Draper in being honored with individual awards include former Atlantic Aviation CEO Louis Pepper, who will also receive the Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award, while Go Rentals co-founder and CEO Kaye Gitibin will receive the Eren Ozmen Aviation Entrepreneur of The Year Award.
Helicopter “Jazz Pilot” Randy Waldman will receive the Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award. Lieutenant Commander Amanda “Stalin” Lee will receive the Barron Hilton Aviation Inspiration Award, and famed engineer and aircraft designer Burt Rutan will be honored with the Dr. Sam B. Williams Technology Award.
The inaugural Dr. Buzz Aldrin Space Advancement Award will be presented to the Polaris Dawn Crew, led by Jared Isaacman. As in past years, the ceremony will be hosted by actor and aviation ambassador John Travolta.