The San Diego Air & Space Museum inducted the distinguished Class of 2015 into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 19, in a memorable and entertaining ceremony held in the Museum’s Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight.

The Class of 2015 includes some of the world’s most significant aviation pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, aerospace engineers, businessmen, designers, spokesmen and space pioneers. They highlight the importance of technology and innovation.

The International Air & Space Hall of Fame represents the commemoration of those, who throughout history and around the world have made a significant difference and whose contributions are worthy of special recognition.

Class of 2015:

Alan Mulally
Alan R. Mulally joined Boeing in 1969 and progressed through a number of significant engineering and program-management assignments, including contributions on every Boeing commercial airplane from the 727 through the 787.

Bill Chana
William F. Chana was involved with many key aeronautical projects during his lifetime, including during World War II when he worked as a flight test engineer on numerous Convair aircraft. He later gained fame as the developer and test pilot of “the world’s smallest plane,” the Wee Bee.

Tom Cassidy & Frank Pace
Under the leadership of Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr. and Frank W. Pace, San Diego-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) took bold steps in the field of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and is now in the top tier of a short list of contractors building defense industry remotely piloted vehicles.

Bob Ferry
Although Robert G. Ferry began his career as a fighter pilot, he became an expert in helicopters, where he made profound contributions in 24 years of flight testing, including on the still widely used Apache AH-64 helicopter.

Fred Trapnell
Frederick M. Trapnell was the first US Navy pilot to fly a jet aircraft, was considered the best, most experienced naval test aviator of his generation, and co-founded the branch’s first test pilot school.

Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) & The EAA Young Eagles
Founded in 1953, the EAA has grown from a handful of home built aviation enthusiasts to an international aviation organization and the Young Eagles program has provided first flights for more than 1.9 million children. Accepting of behalf of the EAA was Chairman of the Board Jack Pelton and on behalf of the Young Eagles Chairman Sean D. Tucker.

Kenneth Friedkin PSA Founder
Kenneth (Kenny) Giles Friedkin was an American aviator and businessman. He obtained his pilot license at the age of 17. As a pilot and instructor, Friedkin opened a flight school in 1945, called the Plosser-Friedkin School (later named the Friedkin School of Aeronautics). Pacific Southwest Airlines was created by Friedkin and his wife Jean in 1949. His experience and background is what led PSA to become so successful.

Texas Congressman Sam Johnson
A decorated war hero and native Texan, Sam Johnson ranks among the few Members of Congress to fight in combat. During his 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Representative Johnson flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He endured nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War in Hanoi.