Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

The Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame has announced the Inductees to its Class of 2026.  The Honorees are:

  • Stanley Adkins, MD, Air Force veteran, FAA Medical Examiner
  • Michael S. Doades, decorated Army veteran, ATA Airlines L-1011 Fleet Manager
  • William Eyster, Angola Airport manager, aviation entrepreneur, FAA Examiner
  • E. B. Newill, Executive and engineer, Allison Engines. Led company through pistons, jets and rockets
  • James Paulson, retired Navy Captain, decorated Naval Aviator, FAA Examiner
  • Jeff Wood, Air Force veteran, pilot with the Thunderbird Flight Team, aviation entrepreneur
  • Oren Moore Welch, aviation pioneer, test pilot, aircraft designer and inventor, and airport manager

These distinguished individuals made significant and enduring contributions to the history of aviation and aerospace in Indiana, the nation, and the world through achievement, leadership, exceptional service, innovation, or entrepreneurial spirit.

The Honorees will be inducted at the Honors Banquet on September 19th, 2026. The Inductees will receive a permanent Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame plaque, a medallion and crystal award, and have their names included in the INAHOF exhibit at Indianapolis International Airport.

For Information on the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame, the 2026 Honors Banquet, current INAHOF Members, or to support the Hall, go to https://inahof.org.  Video presentations honoring Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame Members are available at https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=indiana+aviation+hall+of+fame

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.