Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, was recently honored at the 21st Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills. The prestigious event recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace. Prince Harry, known for his service as a helicopter pilot in the British Army, was one of the four inductees into the Living Legends of Aviation.
The Living Legends of Aviation Awards, organized by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, is an annual event that celebrates the accomplishments of aviation and aerospace pioneers. The awards aim to inspire and spark children’s interest in aviation through education. This year’s event, hosted by John Travolta, the “Official Ambassador of Aviation,” brought together prominent figures in the industry to honor the inductees.
Prince Harry’s induction into the Living Legends of Aviation is a testament to his remarkable contributions to the field. During his decade in the British Army, he served as a helicopter pilot, completing training and operational missions in various locations, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. His dedication and skill earned him the prestigious Flying Wings in 2010 after successfully completing the Army Pilot Course.
READ ALSO: Lauren Sanchez’s Thoughtful Gesture for Jeff Bezos’ 60th Birthday
Prince Harry’s aviation journey began at the Army Aviation Centre, where he underwent extensive training to fly both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Throughout his training, he accumulated approximately 220 flying hours, honing his skills and expertise. Notably, Prince Harry spent 3½ years in training and operational service with the Apache Force, ultimately becoming a fully operational Apache pilot in February 2012.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2Ts-MVNG6y/
In addition to his accomplishments as a pilot, Prince Harry is also recognized for his role as the creator of the Invictus Games. Launched in 2014, the Invictus Games is a Paralympic-style sporting competition specifically designed for wounded service personnel and veterans. This initiative has provided a platform for individuals with disabilities to showcase their resilience and determination.
Prince Harry’s dedication to supporting service members and veterans stems from his own experiences in the British Army. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, he expressed the challenges and emotional toll of being in a war zone. However, he also highlighted the healing aspects of service and the lives that can be saved through military efforts. Prince Harry’s personal connection and empathy have made him a powerful advocate for the well-being of service personnel.
“I don’t know that you ever fully reconcile the painful elements of being at war. This is something each soldier has to confront, and in the nearly two decades of working alongside service personnel and veterans, I’ve listened to their stories and have shared mine.” – Prince Harry
READ ALSO: Harrison Ford Celebrating a Career of Achievement at the Critics Choice
Apart from Prince Harry, several other aviation enthusiasts and pioneers were recognized at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards. Navy pilot Fred George, President and CEO of CAE (formerly Canadian Aviation Electronics) Marc Parent, and American aviator Steve Hinton were among the other deserving inductees. Additionally, Lauren Sánchez, William Shatner, Kurt Russell, and Kenny G were expected to attend the event and be recognized for their contributions to the aviation industry.
