Evelyn Bryan Johnson

(1909 – 2012) | Aviation Legend :”Mama Bird” had more flight hours than any woman in aviation history at more than 57, 640 hours as a Flight Instructor and FAA Pilot Examiner. Among hundreds of honors, she was inducted during the Inaugral Ceremony of the Flight Instructors Hall of Fame in  1997 and Enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2007.

Col. James R. Haun, USAF

(1911 – 2001) | Memphian Jim Haun taught flying and barnstormed in the 30’s then served is country during WWII and in the 50’s became the C.O. of the Presidential Flight Department in Washington. Following retirement in 1964, he continued flying and became one of Middle Tennessee’s most beloved Flight Instructors in Nashville and Smyrna.

William K. “Bill” Kershner

(1929 – 2007) | Bill Kershner is an internationally renowned aviation trainer, author, aerobatics and flight instructor and former Naval Aviator. His flight training manuals of twenty editions and ninety-three printings have sold more that 1.3 million copies. Bill was inducted into the Flight Instructors Hall of Fame and is nominated to the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

Frederick W. Smith

Fred Smith founded Federal Express Corp. (FedEx) headquartered in Memphis. FedEx serves more than 200 countries flying more than 650 aircraft and employs more than 215,000 people. Average daily shipments exceed 5 million. Mr. Smith was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2007.

Ernest William Colbert

Mr. Colbert built airplanes during WWII at Nashville’s Vultee Aircraft plant. He co-founded Colemill Flying Service and established Cornelia Fort Airpark. Colemill became the worlds largest and most famous general aviation aircraft modifications  company.

Robert A. “Bob” Hoover

Jimmy Doolittle called native Nashvillian Bob Hoover “The greatest stick and rudder pilot that ever lived”. Hoover is a world-renowned aviation legend who was captured and escaped during WWII and earned international fame as an air show performer. Bob Hoover was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1988.

Edward Chalmers Huffaker

(1856-1937) | In 1893, Sevier County native Edward Huffaker submitted his paper entitled “The Value of Curved Surfaces in Flight” to the Congress on Aerial Navigation, his theory of lift based upon Bernoulli’s principle and his observations of soaring birds. Two years later the Wright Brothers wrote the Smithsonian Institution requesting publications on flight. Huffaker joined the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk with his own glider that was destroyed during a storm, so he returned to Tennessee prior to their first flight in 1903.

Charles E. Nelson

Charlie Nelson ran an ad in Trade-A-Plane and Founded the International Swift Association. 126 responses to that ad ultimately resulted in thousands of members  worldwide. The Swift Museum is located in Athens, Tennessee at the McMinn County Airport where hundreds of Swift owners and pilots have met each year since 1969.

John T. Baugh, Jr.

Nashvillian John Baugh has made endless contributions to general aviation and to the preservation of historic Warbirds. He was inducted into EAA’s Sport Aviation Hall of Fame in 1995; is Founder of Tennessee First Squadron, Warbirds of America; served as a Member & Chairman Tennessee Aeronautics Commission; was the Five-term President of WBA and served for 24 years on the EAA Board of Directors.

Maj. Gen. Lee V. Gossick, USAF

(1922-2005) | A former Commander of the Arnold Engineering Development Center at Tullahoma, Tennessee, the Gossick Leadership Center at AEDC is testament to his extraordinary leadership and 32-year career in the United States Air Force. Gossick was a highly decorated WWII aviator, an aeronautical engineer and scientist. In 1967 he received the Hoyt S. Vandenberg trophy for “Outstanding Scientific Contributions to Aerospace Development in the Field of Science.”

Cosby P. Harrison

(1900-1984) | Cosby Harrison founded Trade-A-Plane in Crossville, Tennessee in 1937. Now, 75 years later, Trade-A-Plane is an aviation publications icon circulated to millions. A copy of the original issue is on display at The National Air & Space Museum.

John Shelton Wilder

(1921-2010) | No other public servant in Tennessee’s history has been a more ardent or more effective advocate for aviation, air transportation and Tennessee’s system of airports than Lt. Governor John Wilder, himself a pilot for more than 40 years with over 12,000 hours of flight time. Wilder also made political history as the longest serving freely-elected high state official in United States history.

Walter H. Beech

(1891-1953) | Walter Beech was born in Pulaski, Tennessee. He was an aviation pioneer and co-founder Beech Aircraft Corporation. His legendary career earned enshrinement in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1977.

Larry D. Cox, AAE

()As President & CEO of Memphis International Airport for nearly four decades, Cox has lead the airport to world prominence  as an “Aerotropolis” and the leading air cargo airport in the world. Among many others, Cox has received the FAA’s “Kitty Hawk” award and Tennessee’s “Career Contributions to Aviation” award.

Robert B. McNab, Jr. & James A. Wolfe

()Bob McNab and the late Jim Wolfe are inseparable names in the helicopter industry. They co-founded Edwards & Associates in Piney Flats, Tennessee where that company and its subsidiaries, Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., Aeronautics Plastics, Inc, and Rotor Blades, Inc. became global leaders in the manufacture and sales of over 800 helicopter parts.

Margaret Rhea Seddon. M.D.

()Murfreesboro’s Rhea Seddon became an NASA Astronaut in 1979. She is a veteran of three space flights with more than 722 hours in space. Dr. Seddon was a mission specialist on STS-51D in 1985, STS-40 in 1991 and she was the Payload Commander on STS-58 in 1993.

James W. “Pete” Campbell

(1920-1999) | Pete Campbell joined the Army Air Force in 1943 and flew B-24’s tallying 56 combat missions in the South Pacific. He join the FAA in 1960 and established what became Flight Instructor Refresher Courses that reduced the CFI accident rate by 50%. In 1971 he created another significant safety program addressing Accident Prevention. Pete was one of the first three inducted into the Flight Instructors Hall of Fame in 1997. He and Evelyn Johnson were both Tennesseans.

John E. Ellington

()The Son of Tennessee Governor Buford Ellington, John graduated from MTSU. He joined the U.S. Army as an aviation maintenance specialist; flew for Capitol Airways in Smyrna and became the Chief Pilot for Delta Airlines retiring after 32 years at Delta. He also managed the Smyrna-Rutherford County Airport, became V.P. Operations at American Trans Air and later President and COO of World Airways. John & Barbara Ellington are sponsors of an endowed Aerospace Scholarship at MTSU.

Capt. Charlie Ray Smith, M.D.

()Charlie Smith of Kodak, Tennessee lead a double life as both an Airline Pilot and as a Doctor, both at the same time! He even joined the Air Force at age 17 and later flew a B-29 mission into Korea the first day of the Korean War. After 57 missions over Korea at age 23, he was discharged a distinguished aviator. American Airlines hired him in 1953 and he retired the airline’s 10th most senior pilot in 1989. Dr. Charlie Ray Smith is one of Tennessee’s most beloved Senior Aviation Medical Examiners.

Robert A. “Bob” Wilson

()Memphian Bob Wilson is one of three recipients of the “Memphis Legends of Aviation Award”. He soloed an airplane and earned his Private License before he had a drivers license. He is an Air Force Command Pilot and has served with the 164th Airlift Wing at Memphis International Airport in a variety of high level military management positions. Wilson is the Founder of Wilson Air FBO’s serving general aviation at Memphis, Houston Hobby, Charlotte and Chattanooga airports.

Robert E. Bomar

()Bob Bomar built and owned Bomar Field that became Shelbyville Municipal Airport. In 1953 Gov. Clement appointed Mr. Bomar to save the State Bureau of Aeronautics. During his Chairmanship of the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission 1953-1968, fifty airports were constructed across Tennessee.

Stan Brock

()Englishman & former co-star of TV’s Wild Kingdom founded Remote Area Medical in Knoxville. RAM, a non-profit charitable organization and a huge cast of volunteer doctors,  nurses, pilots and others provide free medical, dental and eye care to those in need worldwide.

Lanny G. Culver

(1939-2010) | Lanny Culver’s name will always be in the forefront of those who took business aircraft sales from its beginnings to a multi-billion dollar business and for helping establish Memphis as a hub for business aviation. He was a visionary whose extraordinary knowledge of the world market for aircraft, his impeccable integrity, ethics and business acumen earned him a global reputation as the consummate professional in the aircraft sales industry.

William S. “Bill” Whitmore

(1923-2001) | Bill Whitmore became a decorated Marine Aviator who flew 168 missions during WWII. During a distinguished 30 year career with the FAA his extraordinary contributions to aviation safety in Tennessee became Whitmore’s legacy. The Tennessee Aeronautics Commission awarded him its highest individual honor for his “Career Contributions to Aviation” in 1990.

Joseph Clemens Hawkins

()Joe Hawkins made aviation history in Tennessee in 2005 when he was chosen Tennessee’s Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year, followed by selection as the FAA Southern Region AMT of the Year and then in 2006 the coveted National Aviation Maintenance of the Year, the first Tennessean to ever earn this award.

Charles Reece Howell, III

()Reece Howell learned to fly in his native Lincoln County, Tennessee. His life-long passion is teaching aviation. Howell is known around the world as “Mr. MU-2” and has trained MU-2 pilots in North & South America, Europe and Africa. He trains pilots for Rev. Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse, a worldwide Christian organization.

Phoebe Fairgrave Omlie

(1902-1975) | Phoebe Omlie was the first female Air Transport Rated Pilot and first woman to be award an Aviation Mechanics License. She was a barnstormer, air racer, a Charter Member of the 99’s and first woman to hold an official aviation post in the U.S. Government. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt named her one of the greatest women in the United States.

Maj. Gen. Fred Dennis Womack, USAF

()A native of McMinn County, Fred Womack has had two successful and extraordinary careers. His distinguished career in  the U.S. Air Force resulted in his becoming Commander of the Tennessee Air National Guard. Womack joined Piedmont Airlines in 1967 retiring in 1989 as Director of Flight Operations and Safety. Gen. Womack is a Senior Consultant to the NTSB and is active in General Aviation and Warbirds of America.

Jennifer Cairns Baker

()Jennifer Baker is a fervent advocate for the aviation Maintenance technician. She was FAA’s Tennessee Safety Counselor of The Year in 1999 and serves on the National FAA AMT Awards Committee. Mrs. Baker has been the “anchor” of the Tennessee Mid-South Aviation Maintenance Conference for more than 30 years. Baker’s School of Aeronautics enrolls more than 1,100 AMT students annually from 125 countries worldwide.

Jim D. Ethridge

()Jim Ethridge is an entrepreneur who has made countless contributions to aviation. An accomplished pilot, he served two terms on the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission, twice as Chairman. He also serves on the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority chairing the long-term planning and the general Aviation committees. In 2008 Ethridge was elected Chairman of the prestigious  Commissioner’s Committee of the Airports Council International – North America.

Lt. Col. William H. “Bill” Pickron, Jr. USAF

()Following a distinguished and decorated military career retirement in 1967, Bill Pickron became the State of Tennessee’s first Chief Pilot. He flew Governors Ellington, Dunn and Blanton. Col. Pickron’s extraordinary military career included being a Fighter Pilot in WWII and a specialist in teaching precision instrument flying to USAF & NATO pilots. He collaborated in writing the first Air Force Manual on jet instrument flight and his flight tests included over 200 thunderstorm penetrations.

E. Ward King

()Kingsport entrepreneur Ward King founded Southeast Airlines, Tennessee’s first commuter airline in 1956. The airline served the cities of Memphis, Jackson, Dyersburg, Union City, Clarksville, Nashville, Tullahoma, Knoxville and Tri-Cities. The CAB failed to award the airline additional out-of-state routes which forced its closure in 1960.

Carol Dobyns Fair

()Carol Fair became a Flight Attendant with Piedmont Airlines in 1963 soon after the airline began hiring female Stewardesses. She is a dedicated advocate for Flight Attendant rights and a Goodwill Ambassador for the South’s beloved former “Route of the Pacemakers”, Piedmont Airlines. Featured in magazines, newspapers and television interviews, Carol gives speeches about Piedmont’s marvelous history. She was also Inducted into the North Carolina Transportation Hall of Fame in 2008.

Cornelia Clark Fort

(1919-1943) | Cornelia Fort became Nashville’s first female flight instructor. She was hired to teach flying when the Civilian Pilot Training Program was established and was aloft with a student pilot and first witness to the Japanese attach on Pearl Harbor. Fort was the second woman accepted into the newly formed Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Service. On March 21, 1943, her aircraft crashed and she became the first female pilot to die on active duty. A Nashville Airport bears her name.

Robert J. “Bob” Gilliland

()Bob Gilliland, of Memphis, was selected to be the Chief Test Pilot and first man to fly the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest and highest altitude aircraft ever built. He has logged more than 6,500 hours with more supersonic flight test time than another other pilot. Gilliland graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in engineering but became a USAF pilot who flew nearly every aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory.

Clyde H. Shelton

()Clyde Shelton was a man of two-careers. He worked with Dr. Werner Von Braun at NASA Marshall Space Center during the “space race” finishing after 38 years with the Shuttle Program. All the while, Shelton was also teaching flying, his life passion. He has given over 20,000 hours of flight instruction, graduated more than 1,000 students, given more than 8,800 check-rides. He soloed his wife, Son Scott, a Capt. With Delta Airlines and Grandson Nevada, a cadet at West Point.

Brig. Gen. Norman C. Gaddis, USAF

()Jefferson County Tennessee native Norm Gaddis was forced to bail out of his aircraft over Hanoi during his 73rd Combat Mission and was a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam for 2,124 days from May 12, 1967 until March 4, 1973. After only a 90-day convalescence he resumed his extraordinary, highly decorated military career that included becoming Deputy Director of operational Forces in Washington, DC, retiring a 30-year career in 1976.

Mary Dilda Nolan

()Air Race Gold Medalist Mary (Dilda) Nolan has earned celebrity status as a foremost female air racer and prominent air show performer. She won three Gold Championships, two T-6 Gold wins and the Jet Classic Championship at The Reno Air Races. Nolan served her country for 10-years in the U.S. Air Force and is a Pilot with FedEx who has flown the Boeing 727, Douglas DC-10,MD-11 and Boeing 757.

Mack H. Rowe

()Mack Rowe’s passion for flying became a lifelong vocation. During 45 years of flying he may have flown more types of aircraft than any other Tennessee pilot. During WWII he flew in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. He served in  105th Air National Guard Fighter Squadron at Nashville’s Berry Field and later joined Jesse Stallings and Henry Cannon to start Capitol Airways . He was Chief Pilot and ultimately CEO guiding Capitol to status as an international air carrier based at Smyrna airport. During his time, Rowe was credited with having more influence on commercial aviation in Nashville than any other person.

William A. Wilkerson, Jr.

()Bill Wilkerson took his first flying lesson at Knoxville’s Powell Field. He enlisted in the Air Force where he completed his ratings and became Chief Flight Instructor at the Davis-Monthan Aero Club. He returned to Knoxville to become Chief Flight Instructor back at Powell Airport. Piedmont Airlines hired Bill to his dream job where he became only the second African-American to earn the rank of Captain. After an accomplished 32-year career he retired and is devoted to teaching general aviation pilots how to deal with Spatial Disorientation.

Joseph R. Fleeman

()Joe Fleeman of Lawrenceburg is a perfectionist, a talented craftsman and a true artisan in the field of antique aircraft restoration. His extraordinary work has won awards at EAA’s Airventure at Oshkosh and beyond.

Gen. Bruce K. Holloway, USAF

(1912-1999) | Knoxville native Bruce Holloway attended UT before entering The U.S Military Academy, graduating in 1937. He served in WWII flying with the famed “Flying Tigers” based in China. Holloway became an “Ace” after shooting down 13 Japanese planes. His extraordinary military career earned countless decorations and he became Commander in Chief of the Strategic Air Command, a mixture of combat aircraft and intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Robert E. “Bob” Minter, Sr.

()Bob Minter of Kingsport graduated from Embry- Riddle Aeronautical Institute at Miami, Florida in 1961. He has been a corporate pilot, sold Cessna Aircraft and served in management at Burnside-Ott Aviation Training Center, the worlds largest civilian flight training organization. In 1973 he became Director of Development & Operations at TDOT’s Bureau of Aeronautics. During nearly four decades of representing AOPA, Bob has been a staunch advocate and public policy strategist for general aviation. Mr. Minter founded the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame and was awarded Tennessee’s “Career Contributions to Aviation” award in 2002.

Morris W. Ray, M.D.

()The two careers of aviation and medicine by Memphis Neurosurgeon Dr. Morris Ray have significantly benefited both aviation and medicine. Dr. Ray reviewed medical cases related to neurological surgery and medical certification for the FAA, as an expert witness for the FAA. Dr. Ray is an FAA Aeromedical Examiner. Morris Ray soloed at age 16 and his aviation resume’ is extraordinary: accomplished Aerobatic Pilot, Memphis FSDO Flight Instructor of the Year in 2005 & 2008, FAA Pilot Examiner, active Warbird Pilot and more.

Milton L. “Preacher” Brandon

(1921-2013) | For 74 years, “Preacher” Brandon worked at Memphis International Airport (MEM) where he became the face of Memphis to the corporate world of aviation. Mr. Brandon’s charisma, his smiles and his brand of customer service made him an icon at MEM. Every pilot that ever met “Preacher” Brandon never forgot him - his eternal optimism, his caring way and love of his Lord and of his fellow man were exemplified through his special gift for encouraging others with his homespun wit and wisdom.

LTC Herbert W. “Bill” Powley, USAF (ret.)

()After retiring from the Air Force, Lt. Col. Bill Powley began teaching Junior ROTC classes at Unicoi County High School, in Erwin. His vision established the Flight Lesson Instructional Grants Helping Teens (F.L.I.G.H.T.) program where over six thousand students have flown orientation flights; more than 110 solos; over 2,500 flight hours and more than 100 service projects. Powley received the prestigious A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year Award, in 2010.

Rear Admiral Jimmie W. Taylor USN (ret.)

()Jimmie Taylor attended UT, MTSU and graduated from San Diego State University. He earned his Naval Aviator wings in September 1958. RADM Taylor's aviation career of more than 30 years was spent in cockpits aboard most of the Navy's aircraft carriers. During five combat cruises he flew some 200 missions. He had numerous command and staff positions culminating with Chief of Naval Air Training responsible for all flight training in the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard and was also responsible for the U. S. Navy Blue Angels.

Montill Warren

()Montill Warren has devoted herself to promoting aviation in Tennessee for over 30 years that began with the Civil Air Patrol Dec. 15, 1980, building the program for cadets at the Hardin County Composite Squadron. Appointed Director of Cadet Programs for the State of Tennessee in 1995, she organized over 32 encampments, cadet officer schools and drill team competitions, and managed the National Flight Academy for seven years. For 8 years she hosted young cadets from foreign countries through the International Air Cadet Exchange Program.

General Albert Boyd, USAF

(1906-1976) | During his 30 years in the USAF (1927-1957) Albert Boyd became known as the “Father of Modern Flight Testing,” the “World’s Number One Test Pilot,” the “Dean of American Test Pilots,” and the “Test Pilot’s Test Pilot.” In the decade 1947-1957 the Air Force never bought a single type of airplane which he had not personally approved.

Melton “Mike” A. Dover

()Dover transitioned from a wartime Helicopter pilot to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Tactical Helicopter Squadron responsible for statewide Airborne Law Enforcement / Air Medevac programs. He developed search and rescue plans, trained personnel in emergency medical evacuations and trained the THP’s Tactical Squad. During his law enforcement years, Dover flew over every Tennessee County, logging over 19,000 hours.

Lt. General Frederick McCorkle, USMC  (ret.)

()It is said of General McCorkle, “He loves his wife, Kathy, aviation, the United States Marine Corps and the great State of Tennessee.” McCorkle retired from the United States Marine Corps after 35 years. He served in Vietnam with HMM-262 and flew more than 1,500 combat missions. He accumulated over 6,500 flight hours in more than 60 different aircraft.

Harris “Wil” B. Wilhoite

()Wil’s aviation career spanned 61 years—beginning with the U.S. Navy and later with Federal Express where he retired at age 80.  He accumulated more than 25,000 hours of flight time in 25 different aircraft. The FAA presented him with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and he’s recognized on the National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor.

Max L. Burnette

()Max Burnette’s 59-year career as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician earned him national recognition as the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year in 2014. He has also received the FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. At 17, Burnette joined the North Carolina Air National Guard and he has also served in the Tennessee Air Guard at Knoxville and Nashville. Max has logged 4,000 hours as a KC-97 Flight Engineer. Max and Jean Burnette operated M&J Aero at Rockvale’s Gibson Field for more than 35 years.

Major General William Russell Cotney (USAF Ret.)

()Russ Cotney retired as Commander of the Tennessee Air National Guard in 2011 culminating 40 years of faithful and honorable service in the United State Air Force. His many awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal. Cotney is a Command Pilot with more than 10,000 hours flying time. As Commander of the TANG Cotney was responsible for insuring mission readiness of three flying wings and support units comprised of more than 3,600 Airmen and 3.5 billion dollars of equipment and infrastructure.

Thomas C. Grubbs, Jr. RN, MSN, EMT-P

()Tom Grubbs retired from Vanderbilt’s Lifeflight program in 2015 after 31 years and nearly 6,000 patient flights; believed to be more than anyone else in civilian flight nursing history. Grubbs joined  Vandy’s LifeFlight soon after it began in July 1984 with a single helicopter. The program has now grown to six helicopters, an airplane and four ground ambulances serving Middle & West Tennessee, Southern Kentucky and Northern Alabama. During his tenure LIfeFlight transported more than 35,000 patients.

Garland W. Pack

()Garland Pack, was born in Dickson, TN November 26, 1912. His boyhood ambition was to become an aviator. Both of his pilot and aircraft mechanic licenses were signed by Orville Wright. He became a WWII flight instructor, ferried military aircraft across the Atlantic 16 times and flew “The Hump” into China 56 times. After his service Garland was the first pilot hired by Capitol Airways in Nashville. He established a sailplane operation at Murfreesboro. The Dickson County Municipal Airport is named “Pack Field” to honor this aviation pioneer.

Sarah Kelly Arnold

()Sarah Arnold has won six regional soaring competitions, set three U.S. records and 11 Feminine Category records. She became the first woman to represent the U.S. in a world soaring competition and was the U.S. Sports Class National Champion. Sarah competed with the U.S. Team in the 32nd World Gliding Championships in Argentina and also in the 7th FAI Women’s World Gliding Championships in France; the first U.S. pilot to enter this competition. In 2017 participating in the 9th FAI Women’s World Gliding Championships in Czechoslovakia, she won a silver medal for team USA; the first since 1987.

Robert Lewis “Bob” Carpenter

(1934-2010) | In 2009, The Aircraft Electronics Association recognized Bob Carpenter for his consistent excellence in the avionics industry and awarded him its highest honor, the AEA Lifetime Achievement Award. Readers of Professional Pilot Magazine voted Carpenter Avionics one of the top seven avionics shops in the nation for 20 years. Bob Carpenter’s impeccable integrity, his lifelong commitment to the highest quality workmanship and to customer satisfaction, along with his talented and dedicated staff, grew Carpenter Avionics to the largest avionics service center in the Mid-South.

Ken and Gail Franks

()Ken and Gail Franks own T-Top Airfield, a private, 3,600 foot-long turf runway near Eagleville. They are dedicated to sharing the adventure and enjoyment of general aviation with others through hosting fly-in activities and constantly mentoring young pilots, MTSU students and members of the ultralight and general aviation communities. Ken is a co-founder and Charter Member of the Tennessee Airfield Owners Association. They initiated and spearheaded a successful effort to pass legislation that provides liability protection to property owners who host non-commercial recreational aviation activities.

Jerry N. Kirby

()Jerry Kirby is a long-time staunch and tireless advocate for aviation. He has introduced more than 425 youngsters to flying through EAA’s Young Eagles Program. He has performed air shows at EAA’s AirVenture, Sun N Fun, at Tennessee Aviation Days and in 2017 he flew a Swift at The Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France. He once flew a Legend Cub from his private airfield (38TN) near Westmoreland, to Fairbanks, Alaska. Kirby holds a Commercial Pilot’s Certificate, with Instrument privileges, single-engine land & sea, multi-engine, and glider ratings and is Low-Level Aerobatic, Formation Lead and Wingman qualified with more than 9,000 hours of flight time.

LTC Cecil H. Brunson USAF (Ret.)

()Memphis native, Brunson was commissioned through Air Force ROTC, became a Weapons System Officer in the F-4 Phanton II. He was forced to eject from an F-4E over North Viet Nam and became a POW. Following his active duty he joined the Tennessee Air National Guard at Memphis flying C-130 with the 164th Tactical Airlift Group. Col. Brunson earned the Silver Star for gallantry.

Dr. Catherine E. Cavagnaro

()Dr. Cavagnaro was named the FAA’s National Safety Team Representative of the Year in February. She is widely known as an expert on spin training, recovery and avoidance; has served as a test pilot, spin demonstration pilot, researcher, and visiting professor of aviation systems at UTSI, is an author, speaker and FAA pilot examiner.

LTC Billy W. Cox, US ARMY (Ret.)

()Billy Cox was one of MTSU’s most beloved and dedicated Aerospace Department professors. He was selected to develop the MTSU Aviation Maintenance Management program that earned FAA Part 147 approval. Col. Cox retired from service in the USAF prior to joining the faculty at MTSU.

Sue McPherson

()As a teacher at Hendersonville High School, Sue McPherson introduced countless youngsters to aviation and aerospace. She is a pilot and served for many years on the Sumner County Regional Airport Authority. Now retired, Ms. McPherson volunteers at the Sattler Foundation’s Aerospace Education Summer Camps at Lebanon Airport.

Ruth & Ferris Thomas

()Ruth Thomas was the first female Air Traffic Controller in the nation and Chartered the Tennessee Chapter of the 99’s. Ferris served in the USAF and started the first flight training school at TYS.

Deborah Baugh

()Deborah Baugh of Lebanon is a Founding Member and President of the Music City Chapter of Women In Aviation International. She has introduced over 900 children to aviation through the EAA Young Eagle flight program and received EAA’s Major Achievement Award in 2000. Deborah has served on the Lebanon Airport Commission and is a member of the 99’s International Organization of Women Pilots. She holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate, Instrument, Multi Engine, and Tail Wheel Ratings and is Formation Qualified.

Steve Fossett

(1944-2007) | Steve Fossett was born in Jackson, Tennessee. He is best known for circumnavigating the world in a hot air balloon in 2002 but he put his wealth into more than 100 adventures and set records in sailing, ballooning, gliders, jet aircraft, watercraft and other daredevil ventures. He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in July 2007. Fossett vanished in September 2007 while flying an airplane over the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Scott M. Niswonger

()Scott Niswonger of Greeneville learned to fly as a teenager, soloing at age sixteen. After graduating from Purdue University he became a corporate pilot for the President of The Magnavox Company in Greeneville, Tennessee. Scott has flown many airplanes from a Piper J-3 Cub to the Boeing 747. He enjoys flying his Gulfstream IV- SP, his Gulfstream G-150, and a Cessna 172. Mr. Niswonger is a distinguished and successful businessman, aviator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is a staunch and powerful advocate and supporter for aviation.

Col. Ben J. “Benjo” Welch, Jr.

()Ben Welch of Crossville took his first $2.00 flight at age 13 in an Aeronca Champ at Crossville. His only ambition was to become a pilot. He graduated from White County High School in 1953 and attended Tennessee Tech. He joined the USAF in 1956, earning his wings in 1957 and served in the USAF and Tennessee Air National Guard for 38 years. His worldwide assignments and a variety of leadership positions earned numerous awards and decorations. Colonel Welch retired in 1994 as the oldest active duty USAF officer on flying status.

Harry Porter

(1894 -1988) Harry Porter, was an aviation legend and icon in Southeast Tennessee who began his famed 64-year flight career by barnstorming in flying shows across the South. He was a charter pilot, flight instructor, flying service operator and pilot examiner. He opened one of the Chattanooga’s first aviation schools. Porter flew his first airplane out of East Chattanooga’s Marr Field in 1923. He opened “Porter’s Flight School” in 1931. Eight years later, he signed a contract with the state’s Civilian Pilot Training Program, which was adopted by the government in 1942. They changed the program’s name to the “War Training Service” and contracted with Porter’s Flight School to train pilots for military service. When the military program ended in 1944, Harry Porter and his instructors had trained 800 men for U.S. Army Air Corps. 

William Gregory Elliott

()Greg Elliott was a founding member of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Aviation Unit in 1999, Greg became the TBI’s Chief Pilot in 2007.  During his tenure, the unit logged more than 6,000 accident free flight hours. Mr. Elliott retired in August 2019, after serving with the TBI for over 30 years. Greg has been instrumental in locating and apprehending multiple dangerous fugitives, the reduction of narcotics on the streets of Tennessee and has flown countless hours in support of Amber Alerts and Silver Alerts.  

Donald L. McDonald

()Donald McDonald’s avocation and love has always been aviation. A life-long Rutherford Countian, he graduated from Middle Tennessee State College, now MTSU, and has been a loyal supporter of his alma mater. His philanthropy in Rutherford County is significant. Donald and Francis fund scholarships to worthy students and made a significant donation of a hangar at Murfreesboro Airport that is the Donald McDonald Aerospace Maintenance Lab. He owns a private air strip adjacent to his residence and is a co-founder of The Airfield Owners Association. McDonald serves on the MTSU Aerospace Advisory Committee and MTSU Foundation Board, the Sattler Aerospace Education Foundation and was awarded the FAA Master Pilot Award in 2018.  When not flying one of his Cessna 172 or Piper Super Cub airplanes, he enjoys bird hunting and training his bird dogs.

Robert L. “Hoot” Gibson

()Gibson flew on five space shuttle missions, including the first docking of a shuttle with the Russian space station Mir. His first flight was aboard Challenger in 1984. The flight was the first in which astronauts tested the Manned Maneuvering Unit. Gibson was in command of a seven-man crew when Columbia was launched in January 1986, deploying a communications satellite, and conducting experiments in astrophysics and materials processing. Later that month, the shuttle Challenger exploded after liftoff, killing its seven-person crew. He participated in the investigation of the accident and contributed to the redesign of the solid fuel rocket boosters which caused the disaster. He greeted Cosmonaut Vladimir N. Dezhurov, the commander of Mir-18. This historic rendezvous paved the way for future dockings with Mir and the International Space Station. Gibson flew the second mission after the Challenger explosion, commanding a five-person Atlantis crew on a 1988 classified military mission. “Hoot” Gibson was enshrined into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2013 and was inducted into the U.S. Astronauts Hall of Fame in 2003. “Hoot” Gibson is and aeronautical engineer and test pilot; flew combat missions as a “Top Gun” Navy Pilot; was a Captain for Southwest Airlines; and has set records as a pilot at the Reno Air Races. He has over 14,000 of fight time in more that 140 types of aircraft.  

RICHARD A. BLEVINS

In just six years, Richard Blevins has built an impressive offering of aviation career programs at Northeast State Community College in the Tri-Cities area. He has earned college level and FAA accreditation and certification making NESCC the only community college level FAA Part 147 AMT training program currently in Tennessee. An avionics program is being added in the Fall. The Aviation Technology program moved to a hangar and state of the art teaching facility with access at Tri-Cities Airport in October 2021. Blevins served in the U.S. Air Force for twenty-seven years and prior to joining the staff at NESCC he was Training Manager at Bell Helicopter in Piney Flats for nine years.

LEONARD “LEO” LOUDENSLAGER   (1944-1997)

Leo Loudenslager won the United States Aerobatic Championship seven times between 1975 and 1982. He won the World Aerobatics Championship in 1980. He is one of only two aviators to have won seven national aerobatic titles and is one of only three Americans to win the World Aerobatics Championship title. Among his many other honors are membership in the International Aerobatics Hall of Fame, ICAS Air Show Hall of Fame, and the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame. Loudenslager’s Laser 200 airplane is on permanent display at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Leo Loudenslager died as a result of a motorcycle accident June 28, 1997 near his home in Tennessee.

AARON D. TIPPIN

Aaron Tippin was an Aviator long before he became a Country Music Star. For years he has unselfishly shared his singing and song writing fame and talent to promote aviation safety. He has worked closely with the FAA to produce videos, performed concerts, manned exhibits at major aviation events, and given speeches about his life as a pilot and AMT. Tippin flies and displays his AT-6 in air shows and events. He was a commercial pilot by the age of 20.  He holds an instrument rating along with a Commercial pilot certificate with single and multi-engine ratings.  He also has private pilot privileges for rotorcraft-helicopter and holds a CFI rating.  He is a certified airframe and power plant mechanic, with an Inspection Authorization rating. Aaron Tippin is a true Patriot and has traveled worldwide in tireless support of our U.S. Veterans. In 2022 The Living Legends of Aviation gave Tippin its Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award for his song “If You Don’t Stand For Something You‘ll Fall for Anything.”

R.A.”BOB” HUDDLESTON

Bob Huddleston began flight training while enrolled at Middle Tennessee State Teacher’s College on an air field then located on the MTSTC Campus (now MTSU). He became a flight instructor and taught flying at the University Flight School. Huddleston joined the Air Guard based in Knoxville and bought a BT-13 airplane to commute back to his home in Murfreesboro. When the City of Murfreesboro opened Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, Bob Huddleston was the first to land on it. Upon completing Guard.

James C. Bynum, Jr

James Bynum, Jr. set the highest standard for workmanship, knowledge and ethics as an aviation mechanic and technician.  Working & training technicians in the Chattanooga, TN area, he raised the name “A&P Technician” to a more respected level. 

To pilots in training, who just wanted to be around airplanes, he employed them to clean the corporate airplane to a standard seldom seen at the time. He taught “the wiper gets the best look” and training them to speak up if something looked unusual or different.

He also trained technicians in the same way - instilling the standard that no one is too good to clean because we wanted to recognize problems and correct them so the airplane could be presented to the flying pilots in the best airworthiness condition possible.  He was also an innovator and inventor of many tools and parts to aid in the highest level of aircraft maintenance.

Billy J. Barton

Bill Barton has a reputation as the consummate “Aviation Ambassador” and as a talented Flight Instructor. His more than 50-year career has included nearly 17 years with Braniff International Airways as a Flight Engineer, First Officer and as one of the youngest International Captains of that era. Barton has mentored many youngsters who are now career pilots worldwide. As an FAA Designated Flight Examiner he has administered over 5,000 pilot certifications. Mr. Barton also worked as an Engineering Associate at Arnold Engineering Development Center in the T2 Test Cell where an advanced engine was being tested for the F-16 Fighter aircraft. He was hired by the University of Tennessee Space Institute Department of Artificial Intelligence under an FAA/NASA Grant to develop the “airliner cockpit of the next generation” incorporating as much automation as possible.

Curtis L. “Griz” Watson

Curt Watson Founded the Memphis Mid South Air Show and the event has donated over $1,600,000 to children’s charities in Memphis.

As a late 1960s and early 1970s University of Tennessee football star, Curt Watson, a/k/a “The Crossville Comet” still ranks fourth among Tennessee’s all-time rushing leaders. He ended his career with a school-record 2,364 yards on 529 rushes, twenty-two touchdowns, and a 5.4 yards-per-carry average. Afterwards he moved on to two years in the NFL. Watson then joined the Navy and spent eleven years as a Navy pilot including a four-year stint with the Blue Angels. He is now a pilot for Federal Express. Watson has remained active in the world of sports, serving on the Liberty Bowl Selection Committee and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors. 

Joseph Clyde White, Sr. (1922-2007)

Joseph White entered aviation as a cadet and college detachment student at The Tuskegee Institute. He was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and flew as part of the 332nd Fighter Group known as the famed "The Red Tails". After the war, he taught flying and radar in Alabama and Mississippi and served as director of environmental testing at Remington Rand. White became a student at Fisk University, the University of Tennessee, Walden University, George Peabody College and the University of Minnesota earning a bachelor of science degree, two master's degrees and a doctor of philosophy degree during his lifetime. In 1959, he set up the state's first high school electronics program at Pearl High School. Mr. White often spoke at school assemblies about the famous people he had met such as first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, as a young Eagle Scout he was introduced to during the first Boy Scout Jamboree in 1937. He also met scientist George Washington Carver, who was a regular on the Tuskegee Institute campus.

Mike Loehle

Mike Loehle’s aviation journey started as a teenager at Bowman Field in Louisville, Kentucky, gaining flight time in his father’s Luscombe.  His aviation journey continued with hang gliding and ultralights and early involvement in modifying and improving light aircraft.  This started his lifelong career of designing and producing aircraft parts.   In 1981, he was awarded an Oshkosh Grand Champion trophy and Outstanding Craftmanship Award for his “Aeroplane” design.  In1982, he entered a business partnership with Sandy Burgess, who would become his wife in 1989.  It would be a partnership that would last 35 years, and a marriage of 28 years, only ending by Sandy’s untimely passing in 2017.   

In 1984 they moved their operation to Wartrace, TN where they assumed ownership and operation of the former Ritz Propellor company, while also continuing to produce kits for his Aeroplane XP design.  In 1986, he designed the “5151”, a ¾ scale model of the venerable P-51, a design that would sell over 500 kits and were built/flown in 26 countries around the world.   Additionally, he produced kits for the Sport Parasol as well as a collection of Word War I replica aircraft. Next, Mike’s lifelong experimentation with aircraft paints and finishes led him to develop Loehle Coatings, an innovative system for use on ultralight, homebuilt and production aircraft.

Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner

Rosemary Bryant Mariner was the first female accepted into the Aeronautics program at Purdue University, where she completed her studies in 2 ½ years, graduating at age 19 in 1972.   She was then selected as one of 8 women to be the first females to enter US Navy flight training, which she completed 1974.   Rosemary then embarked on many assignments and qualifications to fly numerous aircraft in the US Navy inventory.  

In July 1990, after progressing thru many positions within the Navy, she was assigned as the Commanding Officer of VAQ-34, becoming the first woman to command an Aviation unit in any branch of the US military.   Following Desert Storm, Rosemary served as President of Women Military Aviators Association, successfully leading a campaign on Capitol Hill to repeal the combat exclusion laws which had restricted women’s roles in Desert Storm.

In retirement, Rosemary continued to be active in military and aviation issues.     She also served as a visiting scholar at the University of Tennessee, where she taught military history for 15 years.

AMANDA FARNSWORTH

A native of Winchester, TN, Amanda Farnsworth is paving the way for the next generation of women in the aviation industry. As a young girl, she developed a deep passion for airplanes, but the role of a pilot was viewed to her family as a “man’s job,” and she was frequently told, "little girls don't fly airplanes.” However, that little girl held onto her dream.  

Amanda attended Vanderbilt University, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in computer science.  At age 40, she decided to fulfill her dream of becoming a pilot.  Since then, she has created a blueprint for women in Aviation. In 2018, Amanda became the first female owner/pilot to earn a Vision Jet-type rating. She is the first private female pilot to fly to Havana, Cuba, since the Cold War, and she recreated the transatlantic flight route of female pilots in WWII to benefit STEM education.  

Amanda has made it her lifelong mission to mentor and inspire the next generation of women in aviation. Amanda serves as a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Board of Trustees, where she works to implement AOPA science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in public schools, bringing awareness to the dynamic roles in the aviation industry that are needed, from mechanics to air traffic controllers.  In 2012, she was appointed to the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) board. Ultimately serving as Chair.   Amanda’s leadership on the board shaped one of the most pivotal times in the history of Nashville International Airport – the creation and implementation of BNA Vision, a $1.4 billion expansion and renovation program  designed to meet the exponential growth of Music City.     

Albert Glenn

Born “with an airplane in his hand”, Albert Glenn has had a lifelong love for Aviation.  He obtained his first ”wings” on a Pan Am flight at age 3, then his pilot license in 1970 and has never looked back.

Albert Glenn began his aviation career as an Instrument and multi-engine flight instructor, Part 135 charter pilot and in aircraft sales.  Joining FedEx Corporation in 1974, he progressed as a data control clerk, Master Control Supervisor, Flight Duty Officer, Chief Pilot of Flight Operations, Managing Director of Flight Operations and pilot hiring with the Company.  Amassing over 18,000 hours, Captain Glenn is qualified to pilot the B777, MD11, DC10 and B727 aircraft.   

While his personal professional accomplishments are impressive, Captain Glenn’s true passion has been to help young people discover their aviation dreams.   In 1987, he became Director of the Negro Airmen International Solo Flight Academy in Tuskegee, AL.  In 1995, Glenn supported Woodale High School in Memphis as it became the State’s only high school for specialized training in aviation.  In 2018 he established the Lt Luke Weathers Flight Academy (LWFA) in the Memphis area.   The LWFA provides training and resources needed for young people to go from no experience to airline pilot qualification within three years.  Captain Glenn has worked continuously to make aviation education accessible and to position Memphis as an Aviation Center of Excellence. 

In April 2022, Captain Glenn was appointed to serve as a Commissioner on the Memphis-Shelby County Board of Commissioners.

W. Clay Derryberry

A proud son of Lewisburg, Tennessee, his aviation career spans many years.  His life-long contributions to aviation are significant. He was named 1990 Airport Manager of the Year for serving Lewisburg’s Ellington Field and he served for many years on the TDOT Airports Advisory Committee and as a Board Member of the Tennessee Aviation Association.  Clay is a retired Lt. Colonel and Chaplain in the Civil Air Patrol; a Air Transport Rated Pilot; Flight Instructor in fixed and rotary wing aircraft, an A&P Technician with Inspection Authorization; a long serving member of the Board pf Directors of the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame and Emcee of its annual Gala.

Robert “Bobby” Joslin

Bobby’s love and passion for aviation has led him to serve as an instructor and mentor to numerous fellow pilots.   He has also served his community as a long-standing member of the BNA Board of Commissioners, leading the expansion of BNA airport operations, and also volunteering his time and aircraft for numerous Angel Flights.

Derek Rowe

Mr. Derek Rowe is honored and recognized for his lifelong contributions to aviation.  In addition to his own piloting career, his leadership of the student training programs at McGavock and Tullahoma High Schools and his exemplary work in writing and developing the AviationUSA program.   These programs have exposed thousands of students to pathways in aviation/aerospace careers.

William F. Marrison

For his lifelong contributions in leadership roles with Tennessee Airports, including Nashville Berry Field, Jackson/Madison County and the Knoxville Metropolitan Airport Authority, Mr. William F. Marrison is recognized and honored.    His leadership in both local airports in Tennessee, as well as National associations have been significant. 

General Frank M. Andrews

Born and raised in Nashville, TN, he graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy in 1901 and from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1906.

Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on June 12, 1906 – a year before the US Military bought its first aircraft in 1907.

He then began a series of Infantry assignments around the World, but really wanted to fly. In 1914, he married Jeannette Allen, daughter of Major General Henry Allen, in 1914. General Allen delayed the aeronautical aspirations of his son-in-law by once reportedly declaring that “no daughter of his would marry a flyer”. It seems we pilots had a bad reputation from the earliest days !

However, after the US entered World War I, Andrews finally saw his dream come true, as he was assigned to the Aviation Division in August 1917 and promoted to Major. In April 1918, Andrews entered flight training, earning the Junior Aviator Rating at age 34. His wife, Jeannette, would also eventually also obtain her Private Pilot He then began assignments to command various aviation training airfields in Texas and Florida. Following World War I, he replaced Brigadier General Billy Mitchell as Air Officer of the Army of Occupation in Germany,

After additional leadership assignments, Andrews was promoted to Lt Colonel and Colonel. In March 1935, Andrews was appointed by General McArthur to the General Headquarters Air Force, which consolidated Army Air Corps units under a single commander. Andrews was promoted to Brigadier General and to Major General less than a year later.

A vocal proponent of the four-engine heavy bomber, Andrews advocated the purchase of the B-17 Flying Fortress in large numbers as the Army's standard bomber. In 1939, Andrews was charged with readying the entire Army for America's inevitable involvement in World War II. In January 1943, Lieutenant General (3 star) Andrews was appointed commander of all United States forces in the European Theater of Operations, replacing Dwight D. Eisenhower.

In February 1943, Andrews was assigned as Commanding General, United 1943, Andrews was assigned as Commanding General, United States Forces, European Theater of Operations. On May 3, 1943, Andrews and 13 others perished in a crash of a B-24D Liberator in Iceland – only the tail gunner survived. Andrews was the highestranking Allied officer to die in the line of duty to that time in the War. Andrews is buried

at Arlington National Cemetery.

On February 7, 1945, the previously-named Camp Springs Air Base, Maryland was renamed Andrews Air Force Base (now Joint Base Andrews), in his honor. For his exemplary service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, our Nation and

the World, General Frank M. Andrews is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame this 27th day of September, 2025. 

Captain David Chambers

Born on July 6, 1920 in Memphis, TN, David Chambers’ childhood dream was tobecome a pilot. As a teenager, his aunt Connie helped him pursue this dream by loaning him money for his first flight lessons. He repaid her by working 2 jobs after school – delivering blocks of ice and working in a Goodyear store.

After high school, he initially attended Memphis State University, while working as a crop duster. With the onset of World War II, he soon enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he was quickly made a flight instructor in Clarksdale, MS. While there, he met, fell in love and married Elizabeth (Lillibet) Metts. They married in 1943 and began a loving marriage and an extraordinary life together that lasted until her death in 2007. 

In 1944, Chambers began his career with American Airlines, culminating as the Chief Pilot of Flight Operations in Nashville. He retired in 1980, at age 60, after 36 years of service. He was passionate about flying and flew everything from single-engine aircraft to military jets and Boeing 747s.

Over the course of his career, Captain Chambers was involved in many notable and memorable events. Among his highest honors was when he was asked to organize and fly the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from Memphis to Atlanta for burial. He also organized the search to recover a Ford Tri-Motor airplane which had crashed in Mexico. The aircraft was located, restored, and now resides in the Smithsonian Air and Space

Museum in Washington, DC. Following his retirement, he also worked with NASA to launch the first space shuttle in 1981.

In 1968, Captain Chambers was tapped by Nashville Mayor Beverly Briley to plan, organize and execute an airshow at Nashville Berry Field airport featuring the Blue Angels. This event would become known as Tennessee Aviation Days (TAD) and would later move to Smyrna Airport (former Sewart AFB). The TAD airshow would continue for more than 30 years under the direction of Captain Chambers and those he

organized to pull together the very large event. His work with TAD exposed many Tennesseans to aviation. 

For his exemplary service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, our Nation and the World, Captain David Chambers is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame this 27th day of September, 2025. 

Byron Conaway

Born in 1961 and raised in Morris Chapel, TN, Byron later moved to Bolivar, TN, where he was introduced to aviation by Billy Whitehurst, owner of Bolivar Aviation. In the early 1980s, Byron purchased his first aircraft - prior to obtaining his pilot’s license. In 1981, Byron made his first solo in an Aeronca Champ and received his private pilot’s license soon thereafter. In 1983, at age 22, Byron became the airport manager at Savannah Hardin County, Tennessee, a position he held through1987. During this time period, he also managed a crop-dusting operation. In the early 1990s, Byron worked with famed aerobatic pilots Duane and Marion Cole.

Byron’s passion for aviation led him to begin collecting unique vintage and military aircraft and memorabilia, with the goal of displaying his collection to the public. Over the past 40 years, he has worked to restore and maintain many rare and antique

aircraft, including a vintage military L-16. During his lifetime, he has owned over 130 aircraft, which became the impetus for his museum in 2015, at the Sibley Airport in Selmer, TN,

Thousands of students have visited his museum, all of whom leave with a gift of a balsa wood aircraft. The exhibits at this museum are set up to especially appeal to children

and its rural location in SW Tennessee makes it a perfect field trip for schools. Byron has had a passion for aviation from childhood and he has personally funded many projects and the museum to help expose numerous young people to opportunities in aviation – something he never had growing-up. Byron Conaway is one of Tennessee Aviation’s most generous, ardent and lifelong supporters of aviation, and is a champion of furthering appreciation of aviation history in Tennessee.

Byron also hosts events to bring the community to the airport and make aviation accessible to the public. Additionally, Conaway is also a local philanthropist supporting Veterans and underprivileged citizens in West Tennessee.

For his exemplary service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, our Nation and the World, Byron Conaway is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame this 27th day of September, 2025.

Colonel Elmer Follis

Born on October 7, 1928, Elmer Follis was raised in Memphis, TN, where he continues to live. In 1946, he entered the US Marine Corps as an aviation mechanic, but developed an intense desire to become a pilot. He soon began flying lessons on weekends. Upon his discharge from the USMC, he used his GI Bill to obtain his Private Pilot license at age 19 and enrolled in the USAF Aviation Cadet program in 1951. His initial training was in the T-6 and then the F-51, earning his wings in March 1952. He then upgraded to the F-80 and reported to Kimpo AB, Korea, where he flew 100 combat missions in the RF-51 and RF-80 during the Korean War.

He also flew many photo reconnaissance missions in unarmed aircraft deep into enemy territory. During this time, he had the opportunity to meet and brief President Dwight Eisenhower on his missions. Following Korea, he served as an instructor in the T-28 and T-33 aircraft. He later served as an instructor in the Air Force Flight Instructor School. 

In Vietnam, Follis flew numerous missions in the F-100 in support of Army and Marine ground forces. He has shared that he is most proud of supporting and saving the lives of the hundreds of young troops and their resulting subsequent generations of Americans.

Colonel Follis has lived a life filled with purpose, valor, and honor. As a pilot with over 400 combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as other numerous peacetime roles,

his dedicated service and sacrifices are commendable. As a pilot, Instructor, Operations Officer, Transitional Officer and Leader of numerous Airmen and Squadrons, his leadership led

directly to the successful mission of the USAF in both wartime and peacetime.

During his career, Colonel Follis always strived to uphold the principals of honor, courage and integrity. His exemplary service has been recognized by being awarded Five Distinguished Flying Crosses and Nineteen Air Medals during his career.

For his exemplary service, extraordinary achievements and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, our Nation and the World, Colonel Elmer Follis is enshrined in the Tennessee

Aviation Hall of Fame this 27th day of September, 2025. 

Bill Freeman

Bill Freeman’s Tennessee and Aviation roots ran deep. Born in Nashville, he attended University School of Nashville and the University of Tennessee. He seemed to always had a deep love and passion for aviation. His first job was as a lineman at Nashville International Airport (BNA), where he worked a shift every day after school, and reveled being at the airport and around the airplanes at any time. At age 16, he had the opportunity to take his first flight and it was then that he knew flying would be one of his greatest passions for the rest of his life.

While aviation remained his primary hobby, Bill’s professional career was in his other passion: real estate. His real estate career began in Nashville in 1965. In 1979, he co-founded Freeman Webb Company with his good friend and their company grew to be the largest Tennesseebased owner/manager of multi-family and commercial properties. Throughout the building of his company, Bill Freeman’s love for aviation never wavered. Bill bought his first plane, a Cessna 182, in the 1970s and would own many various types of aircraft over the rest of his life.

Bill Freeman’s love for aviation came full circle when he was appointed to the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority board in 2016 – the same airport where he worked as a teen. He considered it a great honor to serve on the MNAA board, citing the airport as a key economic engine for the whole Southeast region. His board officer positions included Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. He also Chaired the board’s General Aviation/Operations/Planning/Engineering Committee. Bill served on the board until 2024.

Bill Freeman’s love of aviation and his business success also allowed him to give back to the community. For over 20 years, he donated his planes, as well as his pilot services, to the Life Flight Network – a not-for-profit service to transport critically-ill patients and help to save lives, at no cost to the patients.

In addition to Bill’s aviation and business journey his life was dedicated to his wife, Babs Tinsley Freeman, and their three sons, Bob, Harvey, and Mike and grandfather to seven grandchildren.

Bill passed away in November 2024 at age 73.

For his exemplary service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, our Nation and the World, Bill Freeman is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame this 27th day of September, 2025.

Dan Mills

Born and raised on a family farm in Ohio, Dan Mills was introduced to aviation by his grandfather – a farmer who had earned his Commercial pilot’s certificate and had an airstrip on the farm. His first flight was from that airstrip, with his grandfather in his Piper Tri-Pacer.

Following a successful college basketball career, Mills relocated to Elizabethton, TN to attend The Moody Bible Institute’s Moody Aviation where he received his A&P mechanic license; Private, Commercial, ATP certifications; Instrument, Float Plane, AMEL, CFI-A, CFI-I, CFI-AMEL ratings. Mills taught at Moody for 23 years during which time he also served as a missionary pilot with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Indonesia as well as Africa, Georgia (Russia), and Haiti.

Rev. Franklin Graham of Samaritan’s Purse then asked Mills to setup a Part 135 flight operation in Alaska and fly volunteer dentists and doctors into Far East Russia. Rev. Graham and Mills would later be the first pilots to land a US-registered private aircraft in North Korea. 

In 2010, at age 60, Mills became the aviation teacher at Elizabethton High School where he taught and influenced the lives and aviation careers of hundreds of students which has

led to an alumni corps of airline pilots, charter pilots, air traffic controllers, aviation mechanics, flight instructors, as well as successful members of the business community.

Mills developed and taught six different aviation courses for students. His flight experience, as well as his experience in the classroom, led him to have a large part in the writing, and later revising, of the aviation courses’ standards taught in high schools across the State of Tennessee.

Mills also developed relationships with other aviation-minded individuals to establish a program to financially assist his high school students to solo and obtain a Private Pilot Certificate at a significantly reduced cost.

Dan Mills’ leadership in the field of Missionary aviation, as well as his influence on countless members of the next generation have led to an incredible furtherance of aviation in Tennessee and the World. Mills’ primary goal was to encourage his students to become a person of integrity and to realize that every decision they make has a consequence.

For his exemplary service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, our Nation, and the World, Dan William Mills is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame this 27th

day of September, 2025.

JAMES E. HALL

A native of Knoxville, James E. Hall served as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.

Jim Hall is a distinguished public servant whose leadership and vision have profoundly advanced transportation safety and security, particularly in aviation.  After serving in the cabinet of Tennessee Governor Ned McWherter, Hall was appointed Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in 1994 by President Bill Clinton.  Hall served in this role until 2001 where he helped shape aviation safety standards that are still in use today.

Prior to joining the NTSB, Hall recognized that in the aftermath of aviation disasters, victims’ families often lacked access to timely information, coordination, counseling, and meaningful engagement with government agencies and airlines.  As Chairman, he made it a priority to address this failure.  He worked closely with families, stakeholders, and bipartisan allies on Capitol Hill, to secure passage of the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996. This formalized the NTSB’s role in coordinating family assistance and fundamentally transformed how the nation and the International Civil Aviation

Organizations supported families.  In addition to Aviation, Hall worked tirelessly to improve safety across all modes of transportation.  He visited more than 30 countries and led the Board through a period of unprecedented investigative activity involving aviation, rail, pipeline, and maritime accidents.  In 1996, in recognition of his expertise, President Clinton appointed Hall to the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security.  Throughout his tenure, Hall consistently pressed airlines and manufacturers to adopt fire detection and suppression systems, modernize aircraft equipment, and implement safety improvements to prevent tragedies.  Following his NTSB service, Hall has remained a leading national voice on transportation safety and security and has appeared as a subject-matter expert on multiple media outlets.

Since 2003, Hall has served on the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, including 2 terms as Chairman. Under his leadership, the Chattanooga Airport has experienced significant growth, enhanced safety initiatives, and his leadership has played a defining role in shaping the success of the Chattanooga Airport and strengthening its impact across the region.

Hall has also served as a Trustee of the University of Tennessee, a board member of the University of Chattanooga Foundation, and as Chairman of the Enterprise Center in Chattanooga.

For his exemplary service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, our nation and the world, James E. Hall is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame on this 26th day of September, 2026.

Donna F. Highers

A native of Chattanooga, Donna Highers has dedicated her life to advancing aviation education.  Her efforts and expertise have shaped the careers of thousands of aviation professionals within the industry.   A career spanning more than 43 years, Donna is a respected leader in the FAA examination preparation and aviation maintenance instruction.

Donna began her career in 1983 as an Aviation Instructor with Aviation Test Center, where she specialized in FAA exam preparation.   In 1988, she joined King’s School of Aeronautics, which became Baker’s School of Aeronautics in 1994, where she continues to serve as the Chief Instructor.

Throughout her distinguished career, Donna Highers has instructed every pilot course available.  She also has successfully completed the FAA written examinations for Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument, Aircraft Dispatcher and has an Advanced Instrument Ground Instructor certification.  Her personal academic performance exemplifies the high standards she holds for herself and expects from her students.

During her 38-year career with Baker’s School of Aeronautics, Donna has played a pivotal role in the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) and the Inspection Authorization (IA) fields.   Her expertise and dedication have directly impacted the professional journeys and careers of more than 22,000 A&P and IA students from all over the World.  With more than 78,000 hours of classroom instruction, she is one of the most experienced, influential and well-known aviation educators in the field of aviation maintenance.

Donna Higher’s unwavering commitment to excellence, mastery of FAA regulations and passion for student success have left an enduring legacy to her students and future generations.  Her career stands as a testament to her dedication, professionalism and profound impact on the aviation community. 

For her exemplary service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, our Nation and the World, Donna F. Highers is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame this 26th day of September, 2026. 

Darrel Lewis Berry

Darrel Berry, a native of Camden, graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1966, then  proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and later served in the United States Army. Following his military service, Darrel founded Berry Machine and Tool (BMT), with locations in Camden, TN, and Lawton, OK. BMT is known in the tire industry as a leader in tire mold repair and has serviced the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Lawton, Oklahoma for over 47 years. 

Darrel was a true patriot and loved his God, Family, Corps and Country. While in the military, he developed a passion for aviation and obtained his Private Pilot’s License in 1978. Darrel accumulated over 8,000 flight hours and held multiple ratings (commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and rotorcraft). Darrel amassed a remarkable collection of 27 aircraft, mostly vintage Warbirds. He enjoyed bringing the history of World War II aviation to his community. Darrel was well-known in his birthplace of Benton County, TN for his service as a strong participant and organizer in local career days and aviation days, where he displayed his collection of vintage military aircraft and vehicles for all to see, learn, and appreciate their history.

Darrel was an integral part of constructing the Benton County Veterans Memorial Park. He was also a past chairman of the Benton County Airport Board, where he assisted in obtaining grants to expand the facility, as well as volunteering his time to improve the airport grounds. Darrel was a member of several warbird pilot groups, including T-34, T-6, and Birddog associations. He was a member of the Tennessee Warbirds 1st squadron, founding member of the Ridgerunner flight team, and was a lead pilot for the T-34 association’s Formation and Safety Team (FAST). He also held a type rating for one of the very few flying C/G –TBM Avengers. 

Darrel enjoyed hosting Fly-Ins at his home and in his community over the years, as well as attending Fly-Ins across the country. He especially enjoyed EAA AirVenture each year where he would be found in the Warbirds Campground telling stories and visiting with his family, fellow pilots, and old friends. In November 2025, Darrel was posthumously inducted into the EAA Aviation Warbirds of America Hall of Fame in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

For his exemplary service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, the Country and the World, Darrel L. Berry is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame on this 26th Day of September 2026.

DOUGLAS E. KREULEN

Doug Kreulen is a decorated 27-year veteran of the United States Air Force. During his military career he served as a pilot, instructor, and evaluator in both rotary-wing and fixed wing aircraft, including multiple command assignments at the squadron, group, and wing level. He was awarded the Bronze Star for operations in Kosovo, the Legion of Merit, and the Defense Superior Service Medal for his service on the Joint Staff following events of 9/11. He also earned multiple Air Medals for combat and combat support missions in the Balkans and the Middle East.

Following his military career, Kreulen transitioned to commercial aviation, serving as Director of Operations for the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority. In 2012, he joined the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, where he was appointed President and CEO in December 2017, overseeing both Nashville International Airport (BNA®) and John C. Tune Airport (JWN).

Under his leadership, Kreulen led the BNA® team through one of the most transformative periods in its history. His execution of the BNA® Vision and New Horizon capital programs skillfully invested $4.5 billion to meet the unprecedented growth of Middle Tennessee. BNA® is now the 27th largest airport in the United States having doubled in size over the past decade. His team successfully rebuilt the southern portion of JWN following the devastating March 3, 2020, tornado, and has guided the northern expansion of JWN recently awarding a $60 million contract to build a second fixed-based-operation making JWN a preeminent general aviation airport in Tennessee.

Kreulen is an active leader in civic and industry organizations, serving on the American Association of Airport Executives Policy Review Council, Chairs the large hub committee for the Airports Council International - North America, and serves as President of the Tennessee Association of Air Carrier Airports. In 2019 the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame recognized him as the “Tennessee Aviation Person of the Year’? In 2022, he received the “Award of Excellence” and “Airport of the Year” from the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission and he was recently honored as “Airport Director of the Year” by Airport Experience News.

Kreulen holds master’s degrees from the National War College and Troy University, and a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University.

In recognition of his exemplary leadership, service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, our Nation and the World, Douglas E. Kreulen is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame on this 26th day of September, 2026.