The Ozmens, Inducted Into the "Living Legends of Aviation"

At the ceremony the Ozmens were honored as executive leaders of SNC, one of America’s fastest growing private companies with a reputation for rapid, innovative and agile technology solutions in aviation, among other industry sectors.  Last year, the couple was recognized as “Aviation Entrepreneurs of the Year” by the Living Legends of Aviation.

Additionally, the Ozmens presented this year's Aviation Industry Entrepreneur of the Year Award to John Uzcekaj, CEO of Aspen Avionics. The Ozmens were joined by more than 50 Living Legends of Aviation as part of the most prestigious and historical recognition event of aviation.

The Ozmens’ vast contributions to aviation spans more than three decades and include ground, air and space.   Among their key industry advances are SNC's Mobile Air Traffic Control (ATC) System that can quickly establish stand-alone ATC operations worldwide in all-weather conditions, the Airfield Lighting System that can rapidly provide airstrip lighting driven by solar, generator or commercial power in remote locations, and the Autonomous Landing Guidance and Helicopter Autonomous Landing Systems that enable fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to safely land in adverse weather conditions and brown-outs.

Most revolutionary is SNC's Dream Chaser®, the company's answer to the retirement of NASA's Space Shuttle.  The primary mission of the Dream Chaser is providing the United States with human spaceflight by transporting up to seven crew members and cargo to the International Space Station. In December 2012, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program selected the Dream Chaser to receive a Certification Products Contract. This award is the first step toward International Space Station transportation. The Dream Chaser orbital crew vehicle is on schedule to complete its first free flight test, in conjunction with NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, in early 2013.

Notably the 10th Annual Living Legends Awards were hosted by John Travolta, "The Official Ambassador of Aviation"®, and celebrated a decade of recognition during aviation's second hundred years. Morgan Freeman narrated the "Flown West" tribute to four Legends that took their last flight West in 2012, including Neil Armstrong, Carroll Shelby, George McGovern, and AL Ueltschi.  Among the other celebrity Legends were Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Eugene Cernan and Sully Sullenberger.

About Living Legends of Aviation®
The "Living Legends of Aviation" are defined as aviation entrepreneurs, innovators, record breakers, industry leaders, astronauts, pilots who have become celebrities and celebrities who have become pilots. The Legends meet yearly to recognize and honor individuals that have made significant contributions in aviation during aviation's second hundred years.  For information visit: http://www.livinglegendsofaviation.org

About Kiddie Hawk Air Academy
The Living Legends of Aviation Awards event is produced by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a non-profit 501(c)(3) qualified organization. Kiddie Hawk introduces children ages 4 thru 9 to flight with the Kiddie Hawk Trainers and other aviation related careers.

About Sierra Nevada Corporation
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is one of America’s fastest growing private companies based on its significant expansion and reputation for rapid, innovative, and agile technology solutions in electronics, aerospace, avionics, space, propulsion, micro-satellite, aircraft, communications systems and solar energy. Under the leadership of CEO  Fatih Ozmen and President  Eren Ozmen, SNC employs over 2,500 people in 32 locations in 17 states. SNC’s six unique business areas are dedicated to providing leading-edge solutions to SNC’s dynamic customer base.

SNC is also the Top Woman-Owned Federal Contractor in the United States. Over the last 30 years under the Ozmen’s leadership, SNC has remained focused on providing its customers the very best in diversified technologies to meet their needs and has a strong and proven track record of success. The company continues to focus its growth on the commercial sector through internal advancements and outside acquisitions, including the emerging markets of  renewable energy, telemedicine, nanotechnology,  cyber and net-centric operations. For more information on SNC visit www.sncorp.com.