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ICAS Member Sean D. Tucker Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

September 23rd, 2016

Commemorative Air Force Wings Over Houston Airshow Names Aerobatic Pilot Sean Tucker Recipient of 2016 Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award                                                                                                                                        

HOUSTON – Aerobatic pilot Sean D. Tucker has been named the recipient of the Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award, presented annually by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Wings Over Houston Airshow. Tucker performs in airshows all over the world, is recognized as a leader in the aviation industry and has won numerous aerobatic championships throughout his career.

“I’m honored to be recognized with an award named for Lloyd Nolen, a man who inspired us to celebrate aviation and to preserve and remember our history,” said Tucker. “I also look forward to returning to Houston in the fall to fly in this year’s CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow, which is recognized by the industry and performers as an outstanding show and as a long-time Houston family tradition.”  Tucker will fly his custom-made Oracle Challenger III airplane as one of the featured performers at the 2016 CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow on Oct. 22 and 23, 2016 at Ellington Airport.

The Lloyd P. Nolen Award is presented to an individual, organization, or company for lifetime achievement and promotion or advancement of aviation. Nolen, a humble and noble visionary, was a founding member and dynamic force of the Commemorative Air Force.

“Sean is most deserving of this award not only for what he does in the air but also for his contributions to aviation and airshows overall,” said Airshow Director Bill Roach. “It’s a rare privilege to see Sean fly. More than half of his maneuvers have never been duplicated by another aerobatic pilot. He’s a fan favorite all over the world, and we’re always honored to have him in our line-up and grateful for his help in publicizing our show.”

Tucker has been flying airshows worldwide since the mid-1970s and has won numerous aerobatic competitions. He has flown more than 1,200 performances at more than 475 airshows in front of more than 105 million fans.

Among Tucker’s many honors, he is an inductee to the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Aviation Air and Space Hall of Fame. In 2003, Tucker was selected as one of the 25 Living Legends of Flight by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, joining an elite group of aviators and astronauts including General Jimmy Doolittle, General “Chuck” Yeager and John Glenn.

Tucker also is very active in the community. He is the founder and president of the California-based non-profit Every Kid Can Fly, which facilitates transformative life experiences in education and aviation for at-risk and underprivileged teenagers. In 2013, Tucker was named chairman of aviation’s flagship program to introduce children to flight, the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles. The Young Eagles program has operated for nearly 25 years providing youth ages 8-17 their first free ride in an airplane. Tucker shares his passion for aviation, inspiring others to pursue their dreams, conquer their fears and refine their skills.

The 2016 CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow will feature Tucker, U.S. Navy Blue Angels and many other performers. Visit the airshow’s website, www.wingsoverhouston.com, for show updates and to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 888-4-FLYSHOW. Purchase early for best pricing as ticket prices go up as event nears and to secure reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the gate on show days, but premium reserved seats sell out early.

About Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Wings Over Houston

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Wings Over Houston Airshow is a non-profit 501(c)(3) community event produced by a volunteer effort of the Gulf Coast Wing, Houston Wing, and Tora! Tora! Tora! of the Commemorative Air Force, with support from the Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston, Texas Legends Flying Museum, Vietnam War Flight Museum, Lewis Air Legends and Collings Foundation West. The Airshow is dedicated to showcasing vintage World War II aircraft, along with the thrills of modern aviation. One of the top air shows in the United States in its category, the CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow attracts more than 90,000 festival goers throughout Houston as well as from around the globe. The 2016 Airshow benefits the CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow Scholarship Program, Aviation Career Education Academy, Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Westchase Rotary Club and the Commemorative Air Force aircraft restoration and flying historical programs, in addition to numerous other nonprofit participating organizations.

About the Commemorative Air Force

The Commemorative Air Force honors the men and women who built, maintained, and flew in these airplanes during World War II. The organization believes that is best accomplished by maintaining the airplanes in flying condition; taking the airplanes to the people allowing them to experience the sight and sound of the aircraft in flight.

Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 13,000 members and a fleet of 165 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 76 CAF units for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org.

For more information, Contact:

Scott Tims

214-378-7970

WingsOverHoustonPR@thepointgroup.com

Media credential applications are only accepted online until Oct.12 at www.wingsoverhouston.com