Hall of Fame
please join us Saturday, October 17th - 5 PM
From Matthew Sellers’ 1908 Carter County flight to Story Musgrave’s 1993 shuttle flight to achievements being made today, Kentuckians have made essential contributions to aviation exploration and innovation. Chartered in 1994 by the Legislature as the Commonwealth’s official Aviation Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame was established to recognize and enshrine those Kentuckians (and those with close ties to Kentucky) who have made a significant contribution to the fields of aviation or aerospace.
Black Tie Optional • Ticket sales will end on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026.
Honoring the Class of 2026
Kaye Combs Moore
Kaye Combs Moore has spent a lifetime inspiring others through her passion for aviation and unwavering commitment to service. From taking her first flight before age 9 in eastern Kentucky to earning her Commercial Pilot certificate with Instrument and Multiengine ratings, Kaye's aviation journey spans more than 6 decades. A dedicated member of the Ninety-Nines, she has flown across the United States and internationally, competed in the Commemorative Powder Puff Derby, portrayed Amelia Earhart for countless organizations, and mentored generations of young aviators through Girl Scout Aviation Day. Her remarkable achievements include receiving the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for more than 50 years of safe flying and the Ninety-Nines North Central Section Governor's Service Award, recognizing 60 years of dedicated membership. A Charter Member of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Kaye continues to embody the spirit of aviation through her leadership, professionalism, and enduring enthusiasm for flight.
Dr. Charles Knapp
Dr. Charles Knapp has devoted his career to advancing aerospace and biomedical engineering through groundbreaking research, innovation, and education. After earning his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, he joined the University of Kentucky in 1968, where he inspired generations of engineers and scientists. As Director of the Center for Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Knapp pioneered research that improved our understanding of cardiovascular health, the effects of weightlessness on the human body, and biomedical instrumentation. His work led to 20 U.S. and international patents and earned him induction into the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. Beyond his remarkable research achievements, Dr. Knapp mentored future leaders in the field whose own accomplishments continue his legacy. His lifelong commitment to innovation has strengthened both aerospace medicine and biomedical engineering while improving lives around the world.
Capt. Bee Rife Osborne
(1886-1968) Captain Bee Rife Osborne was a true pioneer whose courage and skill helped shape the earliest days of American military aviation. As the Kentucky National Guard's first aviator, he broke new ground from the moment he volunteered for flight training in 1916. During World War I, Osborne became the U.S. Army's first and only test pilot in France, flying and evaluating dozens of aircraft, including the first American-built De Havilland DH-4 "Liberty" flown over French skies. His historic flight on May 18, 1918, demonstrated America's growing aviation strength to Allied forces and marked a pivotal moment in the nation's wartime commitment. Remarkably, throughout five years of flying some of the era's most challenging aircraft, Osborne never suffered an accident. Promoted to Captain and later serving as Chief Inspector of Airplane Engines for the American Expeditionary Force, Bee Rife Osborne left an enduring legacy of innovation, precision, and fearless leadership in aviation history.
The 2026 Aviation Achievement Award will be presented to The Hammond family
The Hammond Family represents the extraordinary dedication to general aviation, inspiring countless pilots, mechanics, and aviation enthusiasts along the way. Their journey began in 1969 when Bill Hammond soloed a Cessna 150 in Lexington, Kentucky, launching a lifetime devoted to flight. Alongside his wife, Charlotte, Bill helped make aviation a family tradition, raising their sons, Clay and Nathan, in the cockpit and at the legendary Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Together, the family has performed in airshows, restored and flown historic aircraft, skywritten across the nation, trained future aviators, and preserved aviation history. Bill is among the select few to earn both the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award for more than 50 years of accident-free excellence. Today, Clay leads Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, while Nathan continues thrilling audiences as an award winning airshow performer and mentor. The Hammond family’s legacy is one of innovation, education, service, and an enduring passion for flight.
If you would like to nominate an individual to be inducted
Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame & Aviation Achievement Award
The Kentucky Aviation Museum proudly serves as the official Aviation Hall of Fame for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, a distinction granted by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1994. Since its founding in 1996, the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame has honored Kentuckians and those with strong ties to the state who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace.
Each year, a new inductee is enshrined, celebrating their outstanding achievements in these fields. In addition to recognizing individuals, the museum also presents the annual Aviation Achievement Award. This prestigious honor is bestowed upon a school, group, or company that has made remarkable efforts to promote aviation and further the growth of the aerospace industry in Kentucky.
By recognizing these outstanding individuals and organizations, the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame plays a key role in preserving the legacy of aviation in the Commonwealth and inspires future generations of aviators and aerospace professionals.
Beginning with its charter enshrinement in October 1996, the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame has honored Kentuckians (and those with close ties to Kentucky). They have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace. In addition to enshrining individuals into the Hall of Fame, the annual Aviation Achievement Award is given to an organization or individual that has excelled in the field of aviation or aerospace or the promotion of Aviation in Kentucky.
