Hall of Fame
Please Join Us Saturday November 1st at 5pm for the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinement
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. 24, 2025.
Honoring the Class of 2025
Brig Gen. Fred Bradley (Posthumously)
(1931-2016)
Brig. Gen. Fred Bradley exemplified distinguished service across military, civilian, and business spheres. A University of Kentucky journalism graduate and later law school alumnus, he served over 36 years in military roles, beginning as an active-duty Air Force fighter pilot in 1953 and culminating as Kentucky Air National Guard chief of staff. His military career included combat missions in Vietnam, extended duty during the Pueblo Crisis, and command positions that earned him numerous decorations including the Legion of Merit.
Beyond his military achievements, Bradley demonstrated remarkable versatility as Franklin County Judge (1970-1973), Kentucky State Senator (1982-1998) serving as Democratic whip, and President/General Manager of Fred's Fast Freight trucking company. He also established Indian Ridge Farm, where he bred champion racehorses including two-time sprint champion Groupie Doll and Grade I stakes winner Brass Hat, showcasing his expertise as a consummate horseman alongside his distinguished public service career.
Sheilagh Farmer Wagner (Posthumously)
(1944-2011)
Sheilagh Farmer Wagner pioneered women's aviation in Kentucky, beginning her flying journey as a teenager in 1960 in Middlesboro when most of her peers were learning to drive cars. Following her mother Irene's example as a WWII-era Civil Air Patrol pilot, Sheilagh earned her pilot's license in 1970 and discovered competitive air racing in 1977. She participated in the final All-Woman Transcontinental Air Race (the "Powder Puff Derby") and later competed in its successor, the Air Race Classic.
Wagner's crowning achievement came in 1997 when she became the first and only Kentuckian to win the Air Race Classic, flying with noted racer Sophia Payton. Her competitive spirit runs in the family—once racing with her diabetic mother who fainted mid-flight but insisted they continue because "we were winning!" With over 1,200 flight hours across multiple aircraft types and an instrument rating, Wagner champions aviation opportunities for women, declaring "Flying isn't just for boys... The sky is the limit."
Beyond his military achievements, Bradley demonstrated remarkable versatility as Franklin County Judge (1970-1973), Kentucky State Senator (1982-1998) serving as Democratic whip, and President/General Manager of Fred's Fast Freight trucking company. He also established Indian Ridge Farm, where he bred champion racehorses including two-time sprint champion Groupie Doll and Grade I stakes winner Brass Hat, showcasing his expertise as a consummate horseman alongside his distinguished public service career.
Maj. Ralph W. E. Webb
(1918-1992)
Maj. Ralph W.E. Webb exemplified dedication to aviation and military service across three decades. Born in Whitesburg, Kentucky, he transitioned from Farm Security Administration photographer to Army pilot in 1942, flying 79 dangerous "Hump" missions over the Himalayas during WWII in C-46 aircraft to supply Allied forces in China. His wartime service earned him numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Webb's Cold War career proved equally distinguished as he became chief of KC-97 standardization and later Chief Flight Evaluation Wing leader for KC-135 operations. His top-secret refueling missions supported global operations, including Vietnam and the SR-71 Blackbird program. Retiring in 1965 with 23,000 flight hours and 20 years of service, Webb received a personal commendation from Defense Secretary Robert McNamara for his participation in the classified "Operation Big Lift," cementing his legacy as a master of aerial refueling operations.
Beyond his military achievements, Bradley demonstrated remarkable versatility as Franklin County Judge (1970-1973), Kentucky State Senator (1982-1998) serving as Democratic whip, and President/General Manager of Fred's Fast Freight trucking company. He also established Indian Ridge Farm, where he bred champion racehorses including two-time sprint champion Groupie Doll and Grade I stakes winner Brass Hat, showcasing his expertise as a consummate horseman alongside his distinguished public service career.
The 2025 Aviation Achievement Award will be presented to Aerospace Composites Solutions, Inc.
Aerospace Composites Solutions, Inc. (ACS) is a leading south central Kentucky manufacturer specializing in advanced composite component fabrication for aerospace and defense sectors. Based in Morgantown, the company produces high-performance, lightweight structural solutions using carbon fiber-reinforced polymers and high-temperature resins that offer superior strength, fatigue resistance, and environmental durability compared to traditional metal alternatives. Their expertise serves critical industries including aerospace, defense, and UAV manufacturing where weight savings directly impact fuel efficiency and mission success.
In 2025, ACS relocated to a new 150,000-square-foot facility representing an $18 million investment that will create 72 new full time jobs in Butler County. The company maintains ITAR registration and adheres to AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 quality standards, utilizing state-of-the-art processes including resin transfer molding, vacuum-assisted resin infusion, and autoclave curing. This combination of advanced manufacturing capabilities and rigorous certifications positions ACS to meet the demanding requirements of mission-critical aerospace and defense applications.
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.
