14th Annual “Living Legends of Aviation Awards” Announced
Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award to be Presented to Kenn Ricci, Principal of Directional Capital. Kenn Ricci’s creative amalgamation of business aviation services has created a higher standard of expectation for the industry.
Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award to be Presented to Kenn Ricci, Principal of Directional Capital. Kenn Ricci's creative amalgamation of business aviation services has created a higher standard of expectation for the industry. With Kenn's vision and leadership, Directional Capital is an umbrella facilitator creating efficiencies in fractional aircraft ownership, aircraft management as well as services, which has incrementally improved the entire industry.
The Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award will be presented to Peter Paul Luce, who at 87 years young, is still an active Board Member for "Wings Over the Rockies". In addition, Luce has flown 243 missions delivering organs to patients, which has saved numerous lives.
Steve Hickok will receive the "Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award" for his groundbreaking advancements in GPS and IFR capabilities, which allows emergency helicopters to safely operate at locations not served before.
Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award was chosen by Bob Hoover himself, before his final Flight West, as he wanted his good friend Clay Lacy to be honored. They met in the California Air National Guard and have been friends for 6 decades. Both Bob Hoover and Clay Lacy have enjoyed remarkable recognition and respect in the aviation industry.
New inductees, in addition to Ray Conner, VP of The Boeing Company. and Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus Group include:
Elling Halvorson of Papillon Helicopters, is a past honoree of the "Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award." His work in construction using helicopters led to the development of scenic tours in the Grand Canyon, and expanded from there. His family business continues to thrive in helicopter construction and tours, with his son and daughter at the controls.
Nick Popovich has repossessed more than 1700 aircraft from six continents. These adventures attracted Discovery Channel in 2010, which led to a reality show titled "Airplane Repo." He has since diversified into global operations which include, aircraft and engine management, appraisals, parts sales and liquidations, maintenance oversight, as well as consulting.
General Mark Welsh III recently retired as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force after 40 years of service. He is currently Dean and Executive Professor at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. In addition to leading 660,000 active-duty Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving in the U.S. and overseas, he was also a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and functioned as military advisers to the Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and the President.
Honorees and inductees which have already been announced include Ms. Phoebe Novakovic, CEO and Chairwoman of General Dynamics. Mark and Scott Kelly, Navy Captains and astronauts. Scott recently spent a year in the International Space Station, advancing medical and other project research in a weightless environment, while his twin brother did the same research here on earth for comparison. Flown West tributes will be given to Arnold Palmer, Bob Hoover and David Thatcher.
The "Legends" ask that you come join us and celebrate aviation and the people that are being celebrated this year.
