DC-3 gets its wings--again

Flight Journal, Jun 2000 by Jones, Geoffrey P

On Saturday, July 15, 2000, in Dayton, Ohio, the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) will hold its 39th enshrinement ceremony. Four outstanding air and space pioneers will join the 166 individuals already enshrined. Often referred to as the "Oscar night of aviation," the event is held in the Dayton Convention Center and typically draws hundreds of aerospace, military, government and industry leaders as well as NAHF members and previous enshrinees.

The class of 2000 will be recognized for their numerous achievements and contributions to flight: Buzz Aldrin (the second man on the moon); Eugene A. Cernan (the last to leave his footprints on the lunar surface); the late Laurence C. Craigie (the first military pilot to fly a jet-the XP-59 Airacomet, in 1942) and the late Thomas B. McGuire Jr. (38 victories, which made him the second leading ace in Air Force history).

In addition to the enshrinement, the 2000 Milton Caniff Spirit of Flight Award will be presented to the National Association of State Aviation Officials by 1984 Hall of Fame inductee and Medal of Honor recipient, former South Dakota Governor Joe Foss.

Tickets to the formal dinner and ceremony cost $75, and reservations are required. For reservations and more information, call (937) 256-0944 (extension 10). -Ron Kaplan