The National Aviation Hall of Fame Announces the “Class of 2023”
Two iconic history-making pilots, two groundbreakers in aviation policy, and two NASA astronauts, are all included in this remarkable group.
DAYTON, OHIO – February 21, 2023 – The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) is excited to announce plans for its 2023 Enshrinement ceremonies. The following individuals who have been selected for the Class of 2023 will be enshrined at the annual ceremony to be held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., on September 22, 2023.
Each year, the NAHF Board of Nominations, a voting body comprised of over 130 aviation professionals nationwide, selects from a prestigious group of nominated air and space pioneers to be recognized for their achievements with induction into the NAHF. Since its founding in 1962, 254 people have been honored with induction into the only Congressionally-chartered aviation hall of fame in the United States.
“We believe this is an excellent class, and we are already looking forward to their induction in Washington, DC,” NAHF Board of Nominations Chair Tom Lodge said. “From pioneers Benn and Coffey to visionaries Gittens and Stimpson and to aerospace heroes Haise and Sullivan, the NAHF’s Class of 2023 represents the best in aviation. We applaud the Board of Nominations for their challenging and thorough work.”
The NAHF Class of 2023 is a diverse group representing a broad range of enduring contributions to both the advancement of flight and human exploration of space:
Partnerships, sponsorships, and ticket sales will be available Spring 2023. Please contact the NAHF and watch www.nationalaviation.org for more Enshrinement details.
 Kathryn Sullivan- Geologist, oceanographer, NASA astronaut, US Navy officer, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration administrator. The first American woman to walk in space, veteran of three shuttle missions. First woman to visit the deepest spot in the oceans, the Challenger Deep. |
 Angela Gittens- Ground breaking leader who shaped airport security and policy as the CEO of multiple large-hub airports, including ATL, and Director General of ACI-World. |
 Fred Haise- US Marine, fighter pilot, test pilot, Apollo astronaut, Space Shuttle astronaut, aerospace executive, and advocate. Vast influence and experience in US aerospace history. Best selling author. |
 (The late) Velta Benn- Aviation pioneer who began as a WASP and went on to fly for over 63 years, amassing 55,000 flying hours as a CFI, FAA Examiner, and safety expert. |
 (The Late) Ed Stimpson- Business aviation legend. Over 40 years, served in multiple leadership roles and drove policy in key areas such as fuel, education, and essential in the General Aviation. |
 (The late) Cornelius Coffey- Aviation pioneer who, despite many racial barriers, became a pilot and mechanic who opened a flight school that trained over 1,500 students, including hundreds of Tuskegee Airmen. |
