DAYTON, Ohio — The National Aviation Hall of Fame held its 60th annual enshrinement ceremony Sept. 14, 2024, honoring the pioneers and innovators in the world of aviation and aerospace.
The celebration kicked off with the President’s Reception Sept. 13 at the Dayton Art Institute, where attendees had the chance to meet and mingle with industry leaders, fellow aviation enthusiasts, and the inductees.
During the reception, the NAHF honored several award recipients, including the Congressional Leadership Award to Congressman Mike Turner and Congressman Rick Larsen; The Neil Armstrong Outstanding Achievement Award winner to Larry Connor, founder and managing partner The Connor Group; The Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award winner to the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Team Whiteman; and The Scott A. Crossfield Teacher of the Year to Mark Westlake, director of the Saint Thomas Academy Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The Class of 2024, which was inducted during the celebration’s “main event” Sept. 14, included:
- Don Bateman, celebrated for his life-saving innovations in aircraft safety systems.
- Col. Frederick Gregory, a pioneering NASA astronaut and leader.
- Katherine Johnson, whose groundbreaking mathematical work was vital to the success of NASA’s early space missions.
- Dr. Peggy Chabrian, a leading advocate for women in aviation and founder of Women in Aviation International.
- Joe Sutter, the architect of the Boeing 747, known as the “father of the 747.”
- Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao, co-founders of Garmin and revolutionaries in the field of GPS navigation technology.
“I’m humbled beyond words,” said Frederick Gregory. “Aviation has been my passion, and I’ve always believed in pushing the boundaries of possibility. To be recognized among so many pioneers is something I could never have imagined.”
Peggy Chabrian, who has spent her career advocating for women in aviation, shared, “I was surprised, humbled, and grateful to the National Aviation Hall of Fame when I received the notice I had been selected as one of the enshrinees into this prestigious organization. I have been blessed to have worked with many outstanding people in aviation, including many pioneers and current leaders.”
Reflecting on her father’s early exposure and curiosity with aviation, Katherin McCaslin, accepting the award on her father Don Bateman’s behalf, stated, “My dad would have been so honored to be recognized by an organization so dedicated to inspiring the next generation of aerospace leaders and innovators who will continue the work of making flying safe.”
Dr. Min Kao sent a statement read by Garmin President Cliff Pemble, in which he acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the 1989 founding team: “I have been fortunate to work with so many dedicated and talented individuals throughout my career, but my heartfelt thanks will always go to our amazing team from 1989, who took a chance on Gary and me and helped pave the way for Garmin’s amazing success!”
Katherine Johnson’s daughters were present to accept their mother’s posthumous induction.
“To say ‘It is such an honor for our mother to be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame along with the other esteemed awardees’ is an understatement,” they noted.
Joe Sutter’s grandsons, Jon Sutter and Koa Young, were proud to represent their grandfather, known to many as the “Father of the 747,” stating, “It is a testament to his remarkable career and the impact he had on the aviation industry.”
The 61st Enshrinement Ceremony will take place on Sept. 19, 2025, in Wichita, Kansas.
For more information: NationalAviation.org
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