Living Legends 23RD Annual Awards, January 23, 2026 at the Beverly Hilton
The “Living Legends of Aviation” are remarkable people of extraordinary accomplishment in aviation including: entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, astronauts, record breakers, pilots who have become celebrities and celebrities who have become pilots. The Legends meet yearly to recognize and honor individuals that have made significant contributions in aviation.
Join John Travolta as he hosts the 23rd Annual “Living Legends of Aviation Awards” on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Beverly Hilton. This year, the following individuals have been selected for their contributions to aviation and aerospace:
• Eileen M. Collins: A retired U.S. Air Force colonel and the pioneering first female pilot and commander of a NASA space shuttle.
• Dan Drohan: An aviation entrepreneur who founded several successful aviation businesses and is currently the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Solairus Aviation, one of the country’s largest charter and management companies, based in Petaluma, California.
• Mark Burns: The president of Gulfstream Aerospace, recognized for his four decades of leadership in the aerospace industry.
• Aaron Tippin: A country music superstar who is also an accomplished commercial pilot and airframe and powerplant mechanic.
• Doug King: The CEO of Epic Aircraft, honored for his work in certifying and launching the E1000 series of composite design aircraft.
Honorees for this year’s event include:
The Sam B. Williams Technology Award
• Patrick Waddick, President of Innovation and Operations at Cirrus Aircraft
Barron Hilton Aviation Inspiration Award
• Xyla Foxlin, mechatronics engineer, pilot, and creator
Additionally, the awards ceremony will also recognize the following individuals:
The Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award:
• Tony Lefebvre, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Signature Aviation
The Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award:
• George A. Antoniadis, founder, President, and CEO of PlaneSense, Inc
The Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award:
• Randy Waldman, pianist, arranger, composer, conductor, producer, as well as a helicopter and airplane instructor.
The Eren Ozmen Entrepreneur of the Year Award:
• Philipp Steinbach, aircraft designer, entrepreneur, and pilot.
The Eren Ozmen Entrepreneur of the Year Award:
• Steuart Walton, lifelong aviator.
This year’s event will also include a new inductee into The Living Legends of Aviation:
• Lee Lauderback, a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with degrees in Aeronautical Science and Business Management. Lee began his corporate aviation career flying for the late professional golfer and businessman, Arnold Palmer as Chief Pilot, and then became CEO/President of Stallion 51 Corporation and Unusual Attitude Training. Lee is also an FAA Designated Pilot and Specialty Examiner, and he is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP).
The event will be held on Friday, January 23rd at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, with Cocktails at 6:00PM, Dinner at 7:00PM and the Awards at 8:00PM.
Aerlex Founder and President Steve Hofer will be in attendance, and would love to meet up with you!
For further information please visit the Living Legends website: https://www.livinglegendsofaviation.org/