News & Events - First Flight Society - Aviation organization on the Outer Banks in Kill Devil Hills, NC

20 11, 2023

First Flight Society Announces 2023 Class of Honorary Members

KITTY HAWK, N.C. – November 19, 2023 – The First Flight Society announces two new Honorary Lifetime Members: Record holder Mack Rutherford, and pilot Erik Lindbergh.

Mack Rutherford became the youngest person to fly solo around the world and the youngest person to fly a microlight aircraft solo around the globe. Now 18, Mack started his 5-month journey at age 17. Mack landed in Sofia, Bulgaria on August 24, 2022, completing a trip that took him across 52 countries. Mack was born to British parents but has grown up in Belgium. He joins his older sister Zara Rutherford as a First Flight Society Honorary Lifetime member.

Erik Lindbergh is a pilot, adventurer, artist and entrepreneur. He is the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of VerdeGo Aero which provides Powertrain Systems and Engineering Services to the electric aircraft industry. Erik is the Co-Host of […]

General Charles E. McGee

Inducted in 2024

Pioneering Aviator and Leader

1919 – 2022

Charles Edward McGee (December 7, 1919 – January 16, 2022) was a member of the 332^nd Fighter Group in World War II, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen. His military service was 30 years from 1942-1973 with over 409 combat missions in WWII, the Korean war, and the Vietnam war. McGee was highly decorated with awards including Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, and Air Medal.

In 2020 Charles McGee was inducted as an Honorary Lifetime Member of the First Flight Society. That same year he participated in the coin toss for Super Bowl LIV and was promoted from colonel to brigadier general.

McGee was married to his wife Frances for over 50 years until her death. McGee lived until the age of 102 and is buried in Arlington Cemetery.

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