The National Aviation Hall of Fame Postpones the 2021 Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony


Travel concerns for our national audience and appreciation for the aviation industry necessitate the postponement of the 2021 Enshrinement.

DAYTON, Ohio / May 19, 2021 / “With our highest regard to the safety and health of our Enshrinees, participants, attendees, staff and the city of Dayton, the Board of Trustees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) have made the difficult decision to postpone this year’s Enshrinement event,” said NAHF Chair Michael Quiello.  

The NAHF Board expressed concern for all who have been impacted by the worldwide pandemic. “We continue to extend our heartfelt wishes to those who have been personally impacted by COVID-19,” said Quiello. “Additionally, we are truly inspired by the selfless healthcare workers and first responders around the world who are on the front lines working tirelessly to care for people in need.”  

The annual Enshrinement ceremony is widely known as the Oscar Night of Aviation and draws a national attendance. Included in the annual dinner and ceremony are aviation legends, American heroes, industry leaders, corporate sponsors, elected officials, and lifelong NAHF members. The event has hosted such notables a John Travolta, Harrison Ford, Miles O’Brien, and Dennis Quaid and welcomed many aviation legends like Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Jackie Cochran, Eileen Collins, and Dick Rutan.  

“While there is much to be positive about as the nation is increasingly vaccinated from COVID-19, we are still cautious regarding travel and uneasy in seeking sponsorship when many of our supporters are hard hit economically, “said President and CEO Amy Spowart. “We appreciate the understanding and support of our participants, sponsors, NAHF members, and the City of Dayton in this decision.”  

The NAHF staff, with the full support of the Board of Trustees, continue to be focused on their mission to honor our nation’s aviation heroes, share their stories, and educate the public.  Updates to the virtual and physical space, including new hands-on exhibits, and the NAHF curriculum for elementary-age children all continue to move forward.  

Awards and other NAHF programs are also taking place in 2021. Board of Nominations Chair Tom Lodge said, “we have everything ready to select and elect the Class of 2022. The voting will take place this summer, on schedule.”   

Trustee Vice-Chair David Brixey said, “If we could share a message with the NAHF’s Class of 2020, it would be that we are truly inspired by your achievements and will not disappoint you. We will honor you and ensure that you will feel appreciated and celebrated.”   

The NAHF’s 2022 Enshrinement will take place in Dayton, OH at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.  
About The National Aviation Hall of Fame- The National Aviation Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is the only Congressionally-chartered aviation hall of fame in the U.S. Based in Dayton, OH, the NAHF’s Heritage Hall & Education Center is committed to informing the public of American aviation heroes, their accomplishments, and their impact on advances in aviation from Early Flight to Space Travel. The NAHF strives to create a distinctive educational resource that will inspire future generations to appreciate our nation’s extraordinary aviation heritage through the men and women who created it.