2024 Enshrinement – Oh What A Night
The 60th Annual Enshrinement of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) was an unforgettable evening that honored aviation legends. With the backdrop of the rich history of flight at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, this milestone celebration brought together aviation enthusiasts, industry leaders, and distinguished guests to recognize individuals who have profoundly impacted the world of aviation and aerospace. It was more than just an awards ceremony—it was a gathering of visionaries, dreamers, and pioneers.
Honoring the 2024 Class of Inductees
The evening was dedicated to celebrating the outstanding contributions of this year’s Inductees. Each honoree represented different corners of the aviation world, from the cockpit to the drawing board to space exploration. Among them were:
Don Bateman, whose inventions in aviation safety have saved countless lives by preventing controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents.
Col. Frederick Gregory, the first American with African lineage to command a space mission, whose service as an astronaut and NASA administrator broke barriers for future generations.
Katherine Johnson, the brilliant mathematician whose calculations were instrumental to the success of NASA’s early space missions, including the Apollo program.
Dr. Peggy Chabrian, the founder of Women in Aviation International, opened doors for women across the aviation and aerospace industries.
Joe Sutter, the visionary behind the Boeing 747, whose revolutionary design changed air travel forever.
Gary Burrell & Dr. Min Kao, co-founders of Garmin, whose innovations in GPS technology have reshaped aviation and navigation across the globe.
Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on aviation and space exploration, further inspiring the next generation of pioneers.
Highlights of the Night
The night was filled with captivating speeches, emotional tributes, and a sense of deep appreciation for the history of aviation. Emcee Pete Muntean set the stage by recalling some of 2024’s exciting aviation milestones and shared his personal connection to the aviation industry. His enthusiasm mirrored the energy in the room as each inductee was honored for their achievements.
Jim Cooling, Chair of the NAHF Board of Trustees, shared highlights from the President’s Reception the evening prior. During the reception, several awards were presented including:
- Congressional Leadership Award – Congressman Mike Turner and Congressman Rick Larsen;
- The Neil Armstrong Outstanding Achievement Award winner – Larry Connor, Founder and Managing Partner The Connor Group;
- The Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award winner- The B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Team Whiteman;
- The Scott A. Crossfield Teacher of the Year
- Mark Westlake, Director of the Saint Thomas Academy Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
NAHF President and CEO Aimee Maruyama shared heartfelt remarks on the importance of preserving aviation’s legacy to inspire future innovators. This year’s Enshrinement weekend served as a reminder of the passion that drives aviation forward, generation after generation.
Looking to the Future
With the NAHF’s 60th Enshrinement now a part of history, we look toward the future with a renewed sense of purpose. The National Aviation Hall of Fame remains committed to honoring the legends of today and inspiring the pioneers of tomorrow.
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We look forward to honoring the next class of Enshrinees with you on September 18 & 19, 2025 in Wichita, KS! We hope to see you there.
Join Us in Preserving Aviation’s Legacy
The NAHF’s mission to celebrate the achievements of aviation’s most remarkable pioneers and inspire future generations relies on the support of our dedicated community. By becoming a member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, you can play a vital role in ensuring that these stories of innovation, courage, and leadership continue to be told.
As a member, you’ll gain exclusive access to NAHF events, special programming, and the opportunity to be part of a network that celebrates aviation history while shaping its future. Help us preserve the legacy of flight and inspire the next generation of aviation pioneers by becoming a member today.
