How cool is this: an invitation to the 15th annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, from a friend — himself a living legend — whose lovely wife finds all things airplane a crashing bore (whoops, wrong adjective). Then an offer to bunk with friends in Santa Monica (instead of $300-plus a night at the Beverly Hilton) and a budget airline fare — well, until you add “extras” like a seat, a bag, water and use of the lavatory (just kidding, Allegiant, but not far off).
The Glitz and Glam of the Living Legends of Aviation Awards Ceremony
Key Takeaways:
- The author critiques the Living Legends of Aviation Awards for increasingly honoring celebrities and individuals generating sponsorships, rather than solely recognizing "truly outstanding aviators and astronauts" based on their direct aviation accomplishments.
- She contrasts the event's "Hollywood extravaganza" feel with more traditional aviation halls of fame, suggesting a dilution of what defines a "legend."
- Despite extensive preparation, including a humorous anecdote about finding an appropriate dress, the author ultimately decided not to attend, feeling the glitzy event did not align with her values of genuine aviation achievement.
- The article concludes with the author valuing the friendships and memories gained from 56 years of flying over formal recognition, even humorously pretending to accept an award in her inexpensive gown.
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