From the National Aviation Hall of Fame Website:(Dayton, OH – 11/20/03) The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) will host its 43rd Annual Enshrinement Ceremony on Saturday, July 17, 2004, in Dayton, Ohio. Founded in 1962 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1964, the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s mission is dedicated to honoring America’s outstanding air and space pioneers.
Four more legends of aviation will be enshrined during the formal ceremony, where they will join the roster of the 178 men and women previously so honored by the NAHF. Often referred to as “the Oscar Night of Aviation,” this black tie dinner gala draws an audience of hundreds of aerospace, defense, government and industry leaders, as well as NAHF members and previous enshrinees.
The enshrinee Class of 2004 consists of former Apollo astronaut and nuclear energy expert, William A. Anders; America’s first officially licensed woman pilot, the late Harriet Quimby; pioneering flight test engineer and pilot, the late Jack L. Ridley; and air show headliner and three-time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, Patty Wagstaff.
Patty Wagstaff was born into an Air Force family in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1951, eventually settling in Japan. From there she continued her cross-cultural academic career in Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia before moving to Alaska where she learned to fly in 1979. Wagstaff eagerly went on to earn numerous flight and instructor ratings. Upon setting a goal of competing in aerobatics, she first earned a spot on the U.S. Aerobatic Team in 1985. In 1991, she became the first woman to win the title of U.S. National Aerobatic Champion, repeating that feat the following two years in a row. An inspirational role model and aviation ambassador, her standard-setting aerial performances annually thrill millions of air show spectators worldwide.
Lets all give Patty a great "Congradulations". We always stop in to the Hall of Fame when we visit the Air Force Museum at Dayton. It will be great to see Patty honored there now!
Dave Hamblin
(formerly DaveH on old site!)
Thanks for the news, Dave. I knew Patty was to be inducted into some hall of fame sometime this year, but didn't know any of the details.Congratulations, Patty!!
Dave, you'll have to let us know what they do at the museum after your next visit. Do inductees get a plaque, bronze statue, or picture on the wall?
Ben
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On the different sections ( I think there are four) there is a plaque for each person with their picture and story.They aren't bronze, hard to describe, but they are nice. There are activities for kids (and adults) as well about aviation.
If I can swing the $125 each for my wife and I it would be nice to go to watch the cerimony!
Dave Hamblin
(formerly DaveH on old site!)
Hey Patty!Congrats!! I can't believe that I've met a legend <s>.
Seriously, a VERY well deserved honor.
Vic Baron
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