EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

There's a reason it's known as the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration®.

Freedom of Flight Award

EAA's Freedom of Flight Award is the organization's highest honor, bestowed annually to recognize contributions to aviation who closely mirror the integrity, entrepreneurship, and innovativeness of EAA members.

Past recipients:

2024

Pete Bunce

2023

Jim Irwin and the Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Company

2022

Senator James Inhofe

2021

Jerry Gregoire

2020

No Award - AirVenture Canceled

2019

The Brown Family and Hartzell Propeller

2018

Andrew Barker and Robert Hamilton

2017

Sebastien Heintz

2016

Mark Van Tine

2015

Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and Jeff Skiles

2014

Audrey Poberezny

2013

John Monnett

2012

Charles McGee

2011

Bob Hoover

2010

Sean D. Tucker

2009

Harrison Ford

2008

Jack Pelton

2007

Dale Klapmeier, Alan Klapmeier

2006

Scott Crossfield

2005

Mike Melvill

2004

Dick VanGrunsven

2003

Jeanne MacPherson

2002

Steven J. Brown

2001

Dick Rutan

2000

Dick Hansen

1999   

Dan Goldin

1998   

Ed Stimpson

1997   

Sam Johnson

1996   

Burt Rutan

1995   

No recipient

1994   

Barron Hilton

1993   

John Denver

1992   

James C. Ray

1991   

Ray Scholler

1990   

Paul Poberezny

1989   

Robert "Hoot" Gibson

1988   

Neil Armstrong

1987   

Cliff Robertson

1986   

Steve Wittman

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