National Aviation Hall of Fame reveals Class of 2025

DAYTON, OHIO — The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has revealed the Class of 2025.

With 270 individuals enshrined to date, the NAHF remains the only Congressionally-chartered aviation hall of fame in the United States.

Inductees are chosen by a panel of more than 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,” according to NAHF officials.

“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.”

The Class of 2025

(The late) Frank Robinson

An aeronautical engineer who specialized in helicopter design. After working for several aircraft companies, he founded Robinson Helicopter Company in 1973, where he designed the R22, R44, and R66 helicopters, which became top-selling civilian helicopters worldwide.

Robinson has received numerous awards for his contributions to rotary-wing aviation and aerospace engineering.

(The late) Phoebe Fairgrave Omlie

A pioneering aviator known for being the first woman to receive both an FAA aircraft mechanic’s license and a transport pilot’s license, Omlie 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 World War II, and her flight school model became the national standard, marking her as a trailblazer in aviation history.

Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton

A retired four-star U.S. Air Force General who served for over 34 years, he was 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

An entrepreneur, engineer, physician, educator, humanitarian, and former NASA astronaut, Jemison 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.

John J. Goglia

Goglia is an internationally recognized aviation safety expert and the first NTSB board member to hold an FAA Airframe & Powerplant certificate. 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

Clark is a trailblazing pilot who overcame significant personal and professional challenges to become an airline captain, air show 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 air show 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.

The Class of 2025 which will be inducted in September 2025 in Wichita, Kansas, the “Air Capital of the World,” marking the first time the city will host this national event.

For more information: NationalAviation.org