The Goodyear Blimp, celebrating 100 years as an icon in the skies above countless cultural and historic events, Pete Bunce, former President & CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, “Flight of the Grumman Cats,” legendary fighter aircraft produced by Grumman, and Jack Pelton, Chairman and CEO of EAA and a leader throughout the aviation community for decades, to be honored at the annual star-studded International Air & Space Hall of Fame gala Saturday Nov. 8.

Join the San Diego Air & Space Museum in celebrating the honorees on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in the Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight. Guests from around the world are assembling for a spectacular evening of fun and extraordinary recognition, as each guest is treated to a behind the scenes look into the lives of these true air and space legends. Since 1963, the International Air & Space Hall of Fame has honored the world’s most significant pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, industry leading companies, aerospace engineers, aerospace industrialists, preservationists, designers and space explorers.

“The International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class of 2025 represents the true pioneering spirit of aviation exploration, from American icons in the skies over countless cultural and historic moments, to record-setting flights, legendary fighter aircraft, and groundbreaking revolutions in commercial and business aviation innovation,” said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. “Achievements in aviation and space, as embodied by the honorees in the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame, directly represent the human pioneering spirit and pursuit of mankind’s future frontiers. This is a can’t miss event and something every guest will remember for the rest of their lives! Guests come from all over the globe just to be in the room with the Honorees and join in this momentous celebration of achievement.”

The Good Year Blimp’s 100th Anniversary
Woven into the fabric of America for a century through countless cultural and historic moments, Goodyear Blimps have appeared at marquee events, from the Olympics to the first Super Bowl, been featured in famous songs, movies and television shows, generated millions of dollars for charities and communities, and even aided the U.S. Military effort during WWII. Starting with the blimp Pilgrim in 1925, Goodyear Blimps have served as a public relations vehicle to drive brand awareness for the company and delight fans in communities across the country for 100 years and counting.

Pete Bunce
Former President & CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Pete Bunce retired from the United States Air Force in March 2005, with his last assignment as the Director of the Air Force’s Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison. During his 26-year Air Force career, Bunce flew F-15s and A-10s, while commanding several large operational fighter units. An active pilot with more than 7,500 hours in military fighter and training aircraft as well as civil piston, turboprop, and business jet aircraft, Bunce organized the Arsenal of Democracy World War II Victory Flyover the U.S. Capitol Mall in May 2015 where more than 50 warbirds flew down Independence Avenue, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Allies Victory in Europe.

“Flight of the Cats”
For decades, the “Flight of the Cats or Cat Flight,” legendary fighter aircraft produced by Grumman, has thrilled airshow audiences across North America. Each of the Grumman “Cats” holds a unique place in American military aviation history. The F4F-3 Wildcat entered service in 1940 and had an outstanding combination of durability, maneuverability, armament, and range. The F6F Hellcat replaced the Wildcat and was designed to match the Japanese Zero fighter airplanes. The F7F Tigercat heavy fighter aircraft was the first twin-engine fighter deployed by the U.S. Navy and served from the end of World War II until 1954. The F8F Bearcat, Grumman’s last piston-engine fighter aircraft, was introduced at the end of World War II and served both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps throughout the middle part of the 20th Century. The F9F Panther, made famous in the movie, The Bridges at Toko-Ri, was Grumman’s first jet powered fighter airplane to see air-to-air combat with the US Navy in the Korean War. The carrier-capable supersonic F-14 Tomcat was an icon of Naval Aviation during the jet age, seeing service from 1974 to 2006.

Jack Pelton
A lifelong, passionate aviation enthusiast, Jack Pelton’s knowledge and experience have been valuable assets throughout the aviation community for decades. He was named EAA’s Chief Executive Officer in November 2015, formally adding those responsibilities to the Chairman of the Board role to which he was first elected in October 2012. In his role as Chairman/CEO, Pelton leads the organization’s board and staff in its mission of growing participation in aviation and inspiring people to fly, build, and further engage in flight. Pelton also is the retired chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Cessna Aircraft Company. In his decade at the helm, he grew Cessna into the industry leader in commercial and private aviation.

Sponsorships for this once-in-a-lifetime event are still available! For sponsorship information, contact Michelle Wiseman at mwiseman@sdasm.org or by calling (619) 234-8291, Ext. 109. Click here to buy your tickets today!

The International Air & Space Hall of Fame is the most prestigious induction of its kind in the world and is composed of hundreds of air and space pioneers, engineers, inventors and innovators, along with adventurers, scientists and industry leaders. NASA Mercury, Gemini and Apollo astronauts and Russian cosmonauts are honored in the Hall, as well as famous legends such as the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Neil Armstrong and Amelia Earhart. Notable inductees also include Buzz Aldrin, Chuck Yeager, Igor Sikorsky, Wernher von Braun, Jack Northrop, Jackie Cochran, William Boeing, Sr., Reuben H. Fleet, Glenn Curtiss, Walter Zable Sr., Fran Bera, Wally Schirra, Bill Anders, Jim Lovell, T. Claude Ryan, Jimmy Doolittle, Bob Hoover, Ellen Ochoa, Peggy Whitson, Linden Blue, Jeff Bezos, Patty Wagstaff, and many more. See the following link: http://sandiegoairandspace.org/exhibits/online-exhibit-page/international-air-space-hall-of-fame.

Proceeds from the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame celebration benefit the Museum’s youth education programs.

“Inspiring kids to undertake tough science and engineering challenges is a critical first step for our future,” Kidrick said. “We must also give them the resources and impetus they need to pursue science education degrees.”

More than 500 national and international business, aviation and space leaders are anticipated to attend the 2025 International Air & Space Hall of Fame Celebration, including prominent representatives and Hall of Fame members from prior years. Tickets are available on the Museum’s website at http://sandiegoairandspace.org/calendar/event/2025-international-air-space-hall-of-fame-celebration