Fantasy of Flight Founder Kermit Weeks Given One of Aviation Industry’s Highest Honors at “Living Legends of Aviation Awards” 

POLK CITY, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2010) – Kermit Weeks, creator and founder of Central Florida’s premier aviation attraction, Fantasy of Flight, recently received the “Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award,” the highest award given at the 7th Annual “Living Legends of Aviation Awards” presented by Learjet.  Often called the “Academy Awards of Aviation,” the red-carpet event was held at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel on January 22.

Among other awards presented at the event were the “First Out of This World Landing and Take Off Award,” given to Dr. Buzz Aldrin, astronaut, moon walker, author and entrepreneur; and the “Top Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award," given to Tom Cruise, an accomplished aerobatic pilot and star of Top Gun.  Well-known guests included astronauts Neil Armstrong, Col. Frank Borman and Gene Cernan, as well as actors Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman and Hilary Swank.

The "Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award" was created to recognize extraordinary accomplishments that inspire and cause appreciation for the freedoms associated with flight.  Weeks was introduced by the award’s namesake, Bob Hoover, who also presented a video about Weeks’ accomplishments before presenting the award. 

A WWII hero and aerobatics champion, Hoover served as Chuck Yeager’s backup pilot for the Bell X-1 program and the chase pilot for Yeager in a Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star during the Mach 1 flight. He is best known as the pilot who pushed the limits of the twin-piston engineered aircraft, the Aero Commander 500 Shrike Commander. Able to pour a cup of tea during a barrel roll, Hoover has been called the father of modern aerobatics and was named the third best aviator in history in the Centennial of Flight edition of “Air & Space Smithsonian.” Above all, Hoover is often called “a pilot’s pilot.”

            According to Hoover, Weeks was chosen to receive the highest honor given by the “Living Legends of Aviation” Awards not only because of his passion for flight, and his accomplishments as an aerobatics champion, aircraft designer and restorer, but also for his lifelong mission, through his Fantasy of Flight attraction as well as his other personal and professional endeavors, to spark the imagination of every adult and child and to inspire them to pursue their own dreams, whatever they may be.

            Past recipients of the award include Senator George McGovern, WWII decorated bomber pilot; Dr. Forrest Bird, inventor of the heart-lung machine; and Emily Howell-Warner, the first woman captain of a scheduled airline. During his acceptance speech, Weeks spoke of the magnitude of being included in this history-changing group of aviation industry legends.

 “The word legend doesn’t even come close to describing Bob Hoover.  He has been one of my personal heroes,” said Weeks. “To receive this award named for him, presented by him, and to be included in such an accomplished group of past recipients, is truly one of the most rewarding moments of my life!”

Last year, Weeks was selected to join some of the greatest pilots in Florida history as a member of Florida Aviation Hall of Fame. A pilot and aircraft designer, Weeks has placed among the top three aerobatics champions in the world five times and has won more than 20 medals in World Aerobatics Championships. The aviation enthusiast began restoring and preserving antique aircraft in the 1980’s and today owns more than 150 civilian and military planes, the largest private collection in the world, many of which he has been displaying for the enjoyment of the public at his Polk City attraction, Fantasy of Flight, since 1995.

Weeks’ philosophy for life, and business, is included in his attraction’s mission statement, “Flight, more than anything on this planet, symbolizes man’s desire to go beyond himself. Let’s use it to inspire mankind…to take the next step on its journey.” Furthering that mission to inspire and educate tomorrow’s leaders, in 2009, Weeks authored his first children’s book “All of Life is a School” (KWIP Publishing, $19.95), which won a Bronze IPPY Award in the 13^th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards.

The “Living Legends of Aviation Awards” are produced by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a non-profit association whose mission is to educate and inspire today’s youth and create tomorrow’s aviators and legends.

For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit http://livinglegendsofaviation.org or www.fantasyofflight.com.

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Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida’s premier aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world’s largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; flight simulators; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and the country’s only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane.  General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen – They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) – A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year. 

Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.   General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-15, plus 7 percent sales tax.  Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6–15, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase.  Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright’s Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides, are available for an extra charge.  For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.

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