skip to content
Los Angeles County Air Show

Heroes and Legends Aviation History Panels

Heroes and Legends Aviation History Panels

MENUMENU Event InformationFAQLocation & TimeExhibitor & Attractions MapSequence of EventsAir Show TipsEvent ParkingPhoto TourAccommodationsPerformers / ActivitiesIn The SkyOn The GroundSTEM ProgramHistory PanelHeroes and LegendsSponsor / ExhibitorCurrent SponsorsWhy Partner With Us?Exhibitor OpportunitiesSTEM Exhibitor InquiriesMediaPosters and ProgramDownloadable LogoMedia Approved PhotosPress Releases & NewsTickets

Los Angeles County Air Show Announces Heroes and Legends Aviation History Panels

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 9, 2018) – The Los Angeles County Air Show presented by Lockheed Martin, scheduled for March 24–25, promises to thrill visitors with both a dynamic “In the Air” show and an amazing, interactive “On the Ground” show, which includes a series of avionic history panels featuring globally renowned speakers.

“In addition to our headline act, the USAF F-22 Raptor Demo Team, we have a line-up of performers and static displays that could not be convened anywhere except the Antelope Valley. This is the fifth consecutive year of the Show, honoring the long history of aeronautical “First, Fastest and Farthest,” and the third consecutive year our event will host an amazing line-up of iconic speakers, whose deeds and true-life tales are known around the world,” Los Angeles County Air Show President Ronda Perez said.

The Heroes and Legends Aviation History Panels are made possible by both Northrop Grumman and JT3. Panels begin at 9:30 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The schedule includes:

• Allan Lockheed Jr.: Grandson of one of the founders of Lockheed Company

Perez went on to say, “The History Panels are particularly impressive, with a host of aeronautical leaders, who will share amazing stories of courage, innovation and vision. We’re truly honored to have the opportunity to hear firsthand from these great innovators, who have all made immeasurable contributions that have forever changed the aeronautical industry. We certainly encourage all of our visitors to come early and meet these visionaries.”

For more information on the Los Angeles County Air Show premium experience, Heroes and Legends, STEM expo and presale tickets, please visit www.lacountyairshow.com. Follow the Los Angeles County Air Show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates and announcements.

A Legacy of Flight: Why the Antelope Valley?

The Antelope Valley has long been known as Aerospace Valley, USA™, a region where the impossible became routine. From Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier over Rogers Dry Lake to the development of stealth technology at the Skunk Works®, this high desert community has been the epicenter of aeronautical innovation for more than seven decades. The Los Angeles County Air Show celebrates that proud heritage every year, and the Heroes and Legends Aviation History Panels are a cornerstone of that celebration. By gathering the men and women who wrote aviation history, the show offers attendees a rare opportunity to connect with the past in a deeply personal way.

These panels are not merely lectures; they are living history sessions where firsthand accounts bring to life the triumphs, setbacks, and sheer audacity that propelled aerospace forward. As Air Show President Ronda Perez noted, the Antelope Valley is uniquely positioned to convene such a distinguished group of speakers—individuals whose contributions have redefined what is possible in flight. The fifth annual show continues this tradition, ensuring that the stories of the “First, Fastest, and Farthest” are preserved and shared with new generations.

The Heroes and Legends Experience

Each Heroes and Legends panel is designed to be an intimate, engaging conversation rather than a formal presentation. Moderated by knowledgeable hosts, the sessions delve into the personal journeys of the speakers—their inspirations, their challenges, and the moments that defined their careers. Attendees can expect to hear about high-stakes test flights, breakthrough engineering feats, and the collaborative spirit that drove teams to achieve the extraordinary. The atmosphere is welcoming, encouraging audience members to ask questions and engage directly with the legends on stage.

The panels cover a broad spectrum of topics relevant to aviation history:

  • Test pilot experiences: What it feels like to fly an experimental aircraft for the first time.
  • Engineering milestones: The design and development of iconic aircraft like the U-2, SR-71, and F-117.
  • Space exploration: Contributions of the region to NASA programs and the race to the Moon.
  • Military aviation: Stories from combat and peacetime operations that shaped modern airpower.

Because seating is limited and the panels start at 9:30 a.m. on both days, organizers encourage visitors to arrive early to secure a good spot. The panels are included with general admission, making them a must-see for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

The Heroes and Legends panels do more than entertain; they serve a vital educational mission. By sharing their experiences, the speakers ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in young attendees. The air show’s STEM Expo runs concurrently, and the panels complement that initiative by showing students the human side of aerospace—the dreams, the perseverance, and the team effort behind every achievement. When a teenager hears a retired test pilot describe the moment they pushed an aircraft beyond its known limits, it can spark a lifelong ambition.

This connection between past and future is especially meaningful in the Antelope Valley, where many families have multi-generational ties to the aerospace industry. The panels honor those who came before while encouraging the next wave of innovators to carry the torch. The Los Angeles County Air Show, through its partnership with Northrop Grumman and JT3, ensures that these invaluable stories remain accessible to the public, free of charge.

Featured Speakers and Their Stories

Among the distinguished speakers is Allan Lockheed Jr., grandson of one of the founders of the Lockheed Corporation. His presence offers a unique link to the earliest days of aviation, when the Lockheed brothers built wooden aircraft in a garage and competed in air races to fund their dreams. The Lockheed legacy is a testament to the power of innovation and risk-taking—values that continue to drive aerospace today. Attendees will have the chance to hear personal anecdotes and insights that cannot be found in history books.

In addition to Mr. Lockheed, the panels feature a rotating lineup of aerospace pioneers whose names are synonymous with excellence. While the full schedule may vary by day, visitors can anticipate hearing from test pilots who flew cutting-edge prototypes, engineers who solved seemingly impossible problems, and perhaps even astronauts who relied on Antelope Valley technology to reach space. Their stories often center on themes such as:

  • Overcoming technical and physical barriers to achieve record-setting flights.
  • The importance of teamwork in high-risk environments.
  • Lessons learned from failures that ultimately led to breakthroughs.

These firsthand narratives provide context to the static displays and aerial performances, enriching the overall air show experience.

Plan Your Day: Making the Most of the Panels

To fully enjoy the Heroes and Legends sessions, consider arriving at the venue well before the 9:30 a.m. start time. Gates open earlier, allowing you to explore static displays and find your bearings before the panels begin. Seating is typically first-come, first-served, so early arrival ensures a better view and the opportunity to ask questions. Bringing a notebook or recording device (if permitted) can help capture the memorable moments, though personal photography is usually encouraged.

The panels are scheduled each morning, leaving the afternoon free for watching the aerial demonstrations and visiting the STEM exhibits. For those interested in more news and updates, the Air Show Newsroom offers additional press releases and announcements. You may also enjoy reading about the Skunk Works® 75th Anniversary celebration, which is a key theme of this year’s event. By planning ahead, you can create a day that balances history, excitement, and inspiration for the whole family.