By Jerry Lips
We’re here today to honor Mr. Steven Udvar-Hazy and Mr. Vern Raburn for their significant contributions to the world of aviation and business. It’s only fitting that other aviation legends are gathered around to salute their significance.

L to R: Clay Lacy, Joe Clark, Jerry Lips, Bill Luckett and Bill Watters visit on the Denver jetCenter East ramp on the afternoon of the awards ceremony.
The stories of our “Living Legends of Aviation” will inspire and point to common directions of flight in ordinary people who reach extraordinary altitudes in life; they’ll also show how “flying” is the common thread that took those seemingly ordinary people beyond ordinary boundaries.
Aviation legend Kermit Weeks explains how “flight” is a great metaphor for life, passing our boundaries and reaching beyond ourselves. In business, it might be an idea of a simpler, easier way for companies to acquire aircraft that changes the world, or it might be building a smaller, more efficient aircraft that will change the dimensions of our business world. Whatever the idea, the real key is taking the idea and flying beyond the boundaries.
Take Lindbergh’s flight as an example; it really was quite simple. Lindbergh didn’t have any secret technology; he wasn’t a genius, nor did he have any great advantages of wealth or experience. He used an ordinary aircraft of the day and basic navigational principals. The whole feat was really very simple. Thousands of pilots of the day could have done it. Today, most any of us realize that we could have done it. There was a simple reason for his success: while others were wrapped up in contingency plans to be picked up by ships and recruiting others to share the ride, he flew beyond his doubts. Lindbergh simply flew to Le Bourget.
So what was so great? Why should we honor people like Charles Lindbergh or Vern Raburn or Steve Hazy? We honor them because they inspire us; each of their stories is so valuable because they inspire us to fly beyond our own limiting boundaries. When we see proof that extraordinary things are possible, and that it’s as simple as reaching beyond ourselves, we are then free to fly to new heights ourselves.
The common thread among the “Living Legends of Aviation” is simply their ability to fly beyond the boundaries. One by one, their stories inspire us to step out of our own self limits, to imagine and believe.
Legend Dr. Forrest Bird started flying and inventing at age 10. With top honors in the “Inventors Hall of Fame,” his oxygen delivery system in the P-51 Mustang enabled it to go higher and farther, helping win the war faster. Inventor of the heart-lung machine and the “Baby Bird,” he has saved countless lives. Dr. Bird connects his entire book of inventions to aviation and his aeronautical understandings. He credits his beloved aviator father for his confidence and ability to fly beyond his boundaries.
Legend Dee Howard, a humble engineering giant, is cut from the same cloth as his late and good friend, Bill Lear. Dee invented the reverse thrusters and scores of other aeronautical inventions. A self-taught graduate of the seventh grade, he soars well beyond boundaries that even the smartest rocket scientist could only dream.
Legend Linden Blue knows about flying over barriers. It’s been said that Linden never knew there were any barriers. He’s always been headed for the finish line–full speed! Linden’s remarkable talent of bringing aviation technology forward on many fronts is exemplified with his new Spectrum 33 jet. There is little doubt that this breakthrough technology with the practical will find an enthusiastic segment of light jet buyers.
Legend Bob Hoover is not only an inspiration of how practice makes perfect, but he’s also the greatest example of how to be the “greatest example.” Bob is the most admired and respected old/bold pilot–period.
Legend Cliff Robertson is a real gentleman and a class act. He has an Academy Award to prove it! Cliff is multi-talented, multi-rated, and much appreciated by the world of aviation. This year, the National Aviation Hall of Fame is inducting this aviator-actor. Airport Journal’s readers and I personally want to thank you Cliff; we’re so proud to have you as a columnist and friend.
Legend Gene Cernan clearly went beyond the boundaries. The last man to walk on the moon, he has left lasting footprints and didn’t stop there. Today he is building the exciting aviation company “Jet Fleet International.”
Legend Rick Adam is a modern day Howard Hughes. Imagine Howard after “group.” Or Howard after being freed of his demons. Rick is just an all-out entrepreneur whose zest for business and ability to fly past obstacles is famous.
Legend Joe Clark “takes off his jacket and feathers fly.” This aviator has great ideas, and is usually ahead of the industry. His winglets are not only sexy looking, but they also save significant fuel. Flights beyond the boundaries for Joe are commonplace.
Legend Bob Pond never did slow his competitive progress through life. His flight path is clear of obstacles, contributing all along his route of flight. His lifelong passion for flight has benefited us all, as he saves and shares great aircraft of the past.
If the Golden Age of Aviation is the sexiest era of aviation, then Legend Greg Herrick is the Hugh Heffner of aviation. Greg’s “National Air Tour” sexy pin-ups include a Ford tri-motor and a complete lineup of the most exciting part of aviation’s history. All of aviation is grateful for Greg’s passion and far-sighted contributions to preserving so much for our posterity.
Legend Bruce McCaw’s lifelong passion for aviation has insured that our children and grandchildren will better understand concepts like “personal courage.” Bruce’s clear vision to see beyond barriers to success is a family gene. Bruce has a natural ability to fly beyond.
Morgan Freeman has not only created the best kind of pride in us all that we are Americans, but Morgan also shares the common thread that flying takes us beyond our boundaries. As a jet pilot, accomplished actor, education promoter, humanitarian and inspiration, the “Living Legends of Aviation” are very proud to count Morgan Freeman as one of them.
Legend Carl Williams, our “Eagle of the Rockies,” earned his wings and contributed on each leg of the flight. Generations will benefit from his passion and generosity for aviation.
Legend Emily Howell Warner…Captain Warner, we salute you. For our daughters, we toast you! Because now the stars include you. The new Frontiers will never preclude you. We thank you. … Thank You.
Now, as for the Legend Clay Lacy. There’s been a lot of controversy stirred up about his real age. Recently, some old records have surfaced showing that he was typed in the Wright Flyer. Using some ancient logbooks that have been uncovered, it’s finally been proven that Clay is, in fact, 175 years old.
Clay was the recipient of the Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur award last year. As I tried then to list his major contributions to aviation, in a reasonable amount of time, I thought I would explain it thus: With over 50,000 flight hours as pilot in command, Clay has more time flying than any other human on the planet–more hours flying than some of you in the audience have lived. We have extra pages in the “Living Legends of Aviation” book devoted to this amazing aviator, in the chapter titled, “People I’ve Known and the Planes I’ve Flown.”
- Many of the legends enjoyed demo rides in the exciting aircraft that were on the ramp.
- ILFC Chairman and CEO Steven Udvar-Hazy taxied right up to the front door of Airport Journals’ hangar and was greeted by Jerry Lips.
- Charlie Johnson, president of Aviation Technology Group (left), and Dr. Forrest Bird (right) listen intently as Joe Clark, founder and chairman of Aviation Partners Boeing, tells a story.
- Business partners Bill Luckett (left) and Morgan Freeman flew in from Clarksdale, Miss., with Best AeroNet President Roger Humiston (middle).
- Before climbing into the cockpit of Jack Wilhite’s MiG-17 for a thrilling flight, Morgan Freeman squeezed Airport Journals Editor Di Freeze and said, “Let’s make a movie together.”
- Pam and Dr. Forrest Bird visit with Cliff Robertson and Emily Howell Warner prior to the award ceremony.
- Jeff Puckett, U.S. Aero owner, supplied a Bell helicopter for Morgan Freeman and other guests to take scenic rides around the Front Range.
- Linsey Lips talked with Bell representative Greg Maitlen in between giving rides to guests.
- Wings Over the Rockies CEO and President Greg Anderson attended the ceremony with his wife, Beth.
- Centennial Airport Director Robert Olislagers (right) chats with John Knudsen of Adam Aircraft (left) and Charlie Johnson of ATG.
- Carl Williams and Bob Pond enjoyed renewing their friendship.
- 2004 Aviation Entrepreneur Joe Clark (right) presents the 2005 award to Eclipse Aviation Founder Vern Raburn as Jerry Lips applauds.
- Vern Raburn gives a speech after accepting his award.
- Cliff Robertson congratulates Vern Raburn
- Academy Award winner Cliff Robertson introduces Lifetime Entrepreneur Steve Hazy.
- Joe Clark and Vern Raburn (right) listen while Steve Hazy gives his acceptance speech.
- Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Clay Lacy presents the Lifetime award to Steve Hazy.
- Spectrum Aeronautical Chairman Linden Blue and Rocky Mountain jetCenters Senior VP Larry Ulrich commented on an enjoyable evening.
- Suzanne Moller and Bill Luckett, an attorney who also co-owns Madidi and Ground Zero Blues Club with Morgan Freeman, enjoy a game of Texas hold ’em.
- L to R: Morgan Freeman, Jerry Lips, Joe Clark and Clay Lacy share a brotherly moment.
- 2004 Aviation Entrepreneur of the Year Joe Clark (left) converses with 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year Vern Raburn.
- Doolittle Raider pilot Bill Bower recounts history to Colorado Aviation Historical Society President Bea Khan Wilhite.
- Bob Hoover (right) captivates Joe Clark (left) and Clay Lacy.
- Greg Herrick traveled from Minneapolis to be honored at the Legends event.
- Morgan Freeman and Dr. Forrest Bird compare tales of flight.
- I-Jet founder Lynn Krogh shakes hands with legendary aerobatic pilot Bob Hoover.
- Aviation pioneer Dee Howard shares some fascinating stories with Paul Lips.
- Morgan Freeman, Bill Bower and Bob Hoover, in front row, L to R, pose with Andy Parks and Mark Holliday of the LaFayette Foundation, back row.
- Jack-of-all-trades National Aviation Hall of Fame Executive Director Ron Kaplan takes time out from serving as an impromptu and skillful photographer to pose with Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman.
- NAHF Executive Director Ron Kaplan (middle) found his minutes in line for the buffet dinner pleasant because of companions Clay Lacy (left) and Steve Hazy.
- Di Freeze and amiable dinner companion Clay Lacy pose for a picture, as directed by cable pioneer Carl Williams.
- Bob Hoover explains to Jet Fleet Intl partner Finn Moller (center) and Jack Wilhite the fascinating story of how he escaped from a German stalag, stole a Focke-Wulf 190 (the same type of aircraft as the model hanging above them) and flew to freedom.
- Carl Williams and his lovely wife Lisa were honored guests.
- Three generations visit with Morgan Freeman: Airport Journals VP Marge Hidalgo (left), her grandson, Harrison Snider, and her daughter, Sandy Snider.
- Morgan Freeman gives Linsey Lips some tips during a card game.
- Clay Lacy signs his name to a poster promoting “Living Legends of Aviation.” The book cover features Lacy in the cockpit of his DC-3 with fellow aviator John Travolta.
- Dee Howard (left) and Linden Blue sign their names to a poster promoting “Living Legends of Aviation,” which will feature 30 aviation legends’ biographies.
- Fellow aviators Clay Lacy (left), Bob Hoover (middle) and Bill Luckett exchange stories.
- Di Freeze and John Fisher (third from left), who returned from Hawaii for the occasion, visit with pals and Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinees (L to R) Ed Mehlin, Bob Williams, Nick Nichols and Tal Miller.