Citizen Staff Writer
MATT LEWIS
mattl@tucsoncitizen.com
Three individuals are being taken to new heights – again.
The Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road, will celebrate those who have had a significant impact on aviation in Arizona.
The Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame is inducting three new members on Saturday at this year’s 20th annual event.
• Kenneth Dahlberg is being honored for his contribution during World War II. As an ace pilot, he is credited with more than 15 kills. After serving in the Air Force he invented the Miracle Ear Hearing Aid.
• In 1974, Ruby Sheldon became the first woman to get a helicopter flight instruction rating. She learned to fly at age 32 and became a pilot for the U.S. Geologic Survey. She flew UH-1 helicopters at a research station 400 miles off the northern coast of Alaska.
• Major General Carl Schneider served in the Vietnam and Korean wars. He flew more than 100 combat missions in Korea. Before going to Vietnam he did several tours of duty at Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix. Schneider was responsible for creating a Forward Air Control/Air Liaison Officer Program with the Republic of Vietnam Air Force.
An oil portrait of each person a plaque inscribed with their biography and memorabilia provided by the inductees will be displayed at the Spirit of Freedom Hangar at the Air & Space Museum.
Former inductees include the late Sen. Barry Goldwater and Sen. John McCain.
Goldwater was a World War II pilot and helped develop Arizona’s Air National Guard.
McCain was a Vietnam War Navy pilot and prisoner of war.
Three to be inducted into Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame
If you go
What: 20th annual Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame induction
Where: The Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road
When: Saturday, cocktail and social hour at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and program start at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: $125, only 250 seats are available. Deadline is Wednesday. For reservations call 618-4818.