posted 10-21-2024 03:56 PM               

The National Aviation Hall of Fame Announces the 'Class of 2025'

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is proud to announce the outstanding individuals selected for induction into the Hall with the Class of 2025. 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 19, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas, the "Air Capital of the World," marking the first time the city will host this national event.

Since its founding in 1962, the 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 over 130 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 thrilled by the extraordinary caliber of this year's inductees and look forward to celebrating their remarkable achievements next fall," said Aimee Maruyama, NAHF President and CEO. "The Class of 2025 epitomizes the spirit of innovation and progress that defines aviation history. From revolutionizing helicopter design to advancing aviation safety and breaking barriers in military and space flight, these individuals have reshaped the industry. Their stories remind us of the power of passion, skill, and determination. We extend our sincere thanks to the Board of Nominations for their diligent and thoughtful work in this selection process."

The NAHF Class of 2025 inductees will be celebrated for their enduring impact on the aviation industry and their contributions to its future.

Meet the Distinguished Class of 2025

The NAHF Class of 2025 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) Frank Robinson
  Aeronautical engineer who specialized in helicopter design. After working for several aircraft companies, he founded Robinson Helicopter Company in 1973, where he designed the highly successful R22, R44 and R66 helicopters, which became top-selling civil helicopters worldwide. Robinson is a highly experienced helicopter pilot and has received numerous prestigious awards for his contributions to rotary-wing aviation and aerospace engineering.

• (The late) Phoebe Fairgrave Omlie
  Pioneering aviator known for being the first woman to receive both an FAA aircraft mechanic's license and a transport pilot's license. She set numerous aviation records, won prestigious air races, and was a barnstormer known for her daring stunts. As an advocate for women in aviation, she helped establish flight schools during WWII, and her flight school model became the national standard, marking her as a trailblazer in aviation history.

• Lloyd W. "Fig" Newton
  Retired four-star U.S. Air Force General who served for over 34 years, becoming the first African American pilot to fly with the Thunderbirds. He flew 269 combat missions in Vietnam, served as an Air Force congressional liaison officer with the U.S. House of Representatives, and commanded three wings and an air division. Newton culminated his career as Commander of Air Education and Training Command, overseeing Air Force recruitment, training, and education. After retiring, he became Executive Vice President at Pratt and Whitney Military Engines and served on various aerospace boards.

• Mae Jemison
  Entrepreneur, engineer, physician, educator, humanitarian, and former NASA astronaut made history as the first woman of color in space on shuttle mission STS-47. Before NASA, she was the Area Peace Corps Medical Officer in West Africa. Jemison leads 100 Year Starship, to ensure that capabilities for human travel beyond our solar system to another star exist within the next 100 years while transforming life on Earth. As an environmental studies professor at Dartmouth College, she focused on designing sustainability into technologies for the industrialized and developing worlds. She serves on the Board of Directors of major public companies.

• John J. Goglia
  Internationally recognized aviation safety expert and the first NTSB board member to hold an FAA Airframe & Powerplant mechanic license. With a career spanning aircraft maintenance, safety advocacy, and consulting, he served on the NTSB from 1995, where he played a key role in raising awareness about airport safety, aircraft maintenance, and compassion for accident victims' families. A recipient of numerous awards, Goglia continues to contribute his expertise through consulting, writing, and speaking engagements on aviation safety.

• Julie Elizabeth Clark
  Trailblazing pilot who overcame significant personal and professional challenges to become a respected airline captain, airshow performer, and mentor in aviation. As one of the few female pilots in the 1970s, she broke barriers, ultimately retiring as an Airbus A-320 captain and an award-winning airshow pilot. With over 34,000 flight hours, Clark has received numerous accolades and continues to give back to the aviation community through mentoring, scholarships, and her nonprofit work, inspiring future generations of pilots. She is also a charter member of ISA+21, an organization dedicated to the advancement of female airline pilots.