1/22 Living Legends of Aviation: Aldrin, Musk

The 7th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards, presented by Learjet, are taking flight on January 22nd at the Beverly Hilton.

John Travolta, the official Ambassador of Aviation, will present Tom Cruise with the "Top Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award." Tom Cruise's passion for aviation started at a young age. Growing up in modest economic conditions, Cruise's family moved frequently but once young Tom hung his P-51 Mustang photo in his bedroom, he felt at home. Not surprisingly, he now owns a P-51 Mustang and other aircraft and is an accomplished aerobatic pilot. Top Gun, the highest grossing aviation movie of all time, has inspired generations of young pilots and patriotism in many Americans. Cruise's flying machines and commitment to aviation define his passion for flight.

Dr. Buzz Aldrin will receive the "First Out of This World Landing and Take-Off Award." John Travolta, the Ambassador of Aviation, will present the award. Buzz took his first airplane ride with his father when he was 2 years old. His father, a military man, served as aide to Billy Mitchell, the father of the U.S. Air Force. As a boy, Buzz showed an early interest in all things mechanical, designing all types of contraptions. As a young man he flew 66 missions in Korea. Astoundingly, walking on the moon barely tops the very long list of successes and challenges that have defined Buzz Aldrin's life as a pilot, military man, scientist, astronaut and one of the world's most forward-thinking futurists. "The world needs to venture outward to satisfy our curiosity, our need to achieve and learn more about our place in this magnificent universe," says Aldrin. In 2009, the world celebrated the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11. He is one of only 12 astronauts to walk on the moon, and at age 80, is not slowing down. Buzz Aldrin continues to inspire.

Often referred to as the "Academy Awards of Aviation," the aviation Legends awards gala is produced by Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a non-profit organization that introduces kids to aviation. The awards ceremony recognizes great work, dedication and accomplishments in aviation. The importance of leadership and commitment to aviation in these challenging times make this recognition event even more significant.

Additional awards presented by the Legends throughout the evening include...

...Elon Musk - "Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year" - South African born, Elon Musk, an American physicist, inventor, entrepreneur, innovator and philanthropist, is best known for founding PayPal, Tesla Motors, and SpaceX. His father inspired his love of technology. In 1999 Musk co-founded x.com, an online financial services and email payments company. He later changed the company's name to PayPal and sold the company in 2002. Musk founded Tesla Motors, and is Chairman and CEO of the electric sports car company. The company is now developing an economical four-door electric sedan. Musk founded and serves as Chairman and CEO of Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX), which was recently awarded a multi-billion dollar contract with the U.S. Government to develop and build space launch vehicles for NASA to replace the retiring space shuttles.

...this year's celebrity/Legend attendees include: John Travolta, Bob Hoover, Kurt Russell, Clay Lacy, Morgan Freeman, Dr. Buzz Aldrin, Tom Cruise, Joe Clark, Maj. Gen. William Anders, Cliff Robertson, Tony Bill, Dr. Forrest Bird, Carroll Shelby, James Raisbeck, Linden Blue, Barron Hilton, Sir Richard Branson, Harrison Ford, Gene Cernan, Julie Clark, Dick Rutan, Pat Epps, Greg Herrick, Alan Klapmeier, Bob Lutz, Lee Iacocca, Bruce McCaw, Lorenzo Lamas, Max Moga, Zoe Dell Lantis Nutter, Paul Poberezny, Mike Melvill, Vern Raburn, Si Robin, Frank Robinson, Ed Swearingen, Sean Tucker, Steven Udvar-Hazy, Emily Howell-Warner and Kermit Weeks.