Attractions
Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame
The Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame was established in 1987 to recognize men and women who have made significant contributions to aviation.
Know someone who should be in the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame? Download the nomination form.
2008 Induction Ceremony - April 19
The Air Zoo Board of Trustees cordially invites you to the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, taking place Saturday, April 19 from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m.
6:00 - Cocktails (cash bar)
6:30 - Dinner and Program - Keynote speaker Astronaut Jack Lousma
$75 per person. Reservations can be made by calling 269-382-6555 x 122
2008 Enshrinees:
Norman Appold
Born in Detroit, Colonel Appold completed 63 missions as a B-24 pilot during WWII. His distinguished civilian career included Assistant to the President of Lockheed Missile and Space Company as well as Vice-President of Lockheed-Georgia Company. He retired from Lockheed in 1984.
Richard Macon
A resident of Detroit, Captain Macon was a member of the Tuskegee Airman during WWII. He was confined as a POW in Stalag Luft III, later Nuremberg for over 9 months. After retiring from the Air Force, Captain Macon became a teacher and later a Principal and Personnel Administrator in Detroit schools.
John Sager
Born in Burt Lake, Rear Admiral Sager was assigned to Naval Aircraft Factory, Philadelphia, as Officer in Charge of Flight Test Aero Engine Laboratory. He conducted the first high altitude (over 40,000 feet) test of oxygen mask and equipment he designed.
George Skurla
A University of Michigan graduate, Mr. Skurla joined Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation as an apprentice engineer in 1944 and retired as President in 1986. His remarkable career at Grumman included the supervision of a 1,600 person team responsible for the final assembly, test, and pre-launch check for the Apollo Lunar Module which landed American Astronauts on the surface of the moon.
Artist Philip Handleman - Harriett Quimby Award
Philip has been an active pilot for 37 years. With his wife, Mary, he owns and operates an airstrip in north Oakland County known as the Sky Ranch. It has been a bastion of aviation, drawing as guests a wide swath of flyers and flying enthusiasts including the Thunderbirds, Blue Angels, and Golden Knights, famed test pilots, astronauts, fighter aces, and the neighborhood kids who have had their first flights in Philip’s vintage Stearman biplane.
Through his award-winning public television documentaries and his extensively published photography, Philip has captured the hearts of diverse audiences around the world. His photos have graced the U.S. postage stamps commemorating the 50th anniversaries of the Air Force and the Air Force Academy.
Philip has written 20 highly acclaimed aviation books and scores of magazine articles spanning topics from air racing to combat aircraft. As a tireless champion of aeronautics, he successfully fought a landmark case that defined the limits of municipal control over airport flight activity.
He also fostered regulatory protections for users of the airspace system in both Michigan and the nation. His service on more than 30 civic and charitable boards has included many years as a member of the Executive Committee of the Selfridge Air National Guard Base Community Council.
Philip is especially proud of having initiated the legislative effort that resulted in last year’s award of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen. In his artistry and his myriad other ways, Philip upholds and conveys the magic, the wonder, and the spirit of flight.
Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation - Spirit of Flight Award
This award highlights the outstanding achievements of aviation/space organizations, and is presented to Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation. With more than 60 years of experience, WMU’s College of Aviation strives to establish and maintain state-of-the-art, world-class professional aviation programs that are among the best in the world.