On September 5, 2026, scalaria will honor the individuals who have shaped European aviation – from helicopter pioneers and heritage pilots to astronauts and inventors.
Those inducted into the "Hall of Fame" are henceforth known as Living Legends. In 2026, we are honoring five truly remarkable individuals.
Entrepreneur and founder
Helicopter pilot since the age of 20, former German Armed Forces pilot and founder of HTM.
Developed HTM into one of the largest helicopter companies in the German-speaking region. Helicopter operations for film productions such as “Nanga Parbat,” “The Peacemaker,” and “Medicopter 117.”
Flight Operations Manager and Chief Fixed-Wing Pilot
First flight experience at age 16, a Flying Bulls pilot from the very beginning.
Has shaped the flying style of the Flying Bulls since its inception – from the P-38 Lightning and the Corsair to the DC-6.
Former Chief Helicopter Pilot
Austria's first civilian helicopter flight student, former chief pilot of Heli Air and the Christophorus air rescue service.
World champion in helicopter freestyle and a defining figure in Austrian helicopter aviation for decades.
Astronaut, aerospace engineer and commercial pilot
Degree in aerospace engineering, commercial airline pilot for Air France with over 2,000 flight hours.
Two long-duration ISS missions and member of the SpaceX Crew Dragon.
Founder, CEO and CTO, test pilot
Enthusiastic pilot with over 4,000 flight hours and a long-standing test pilot.
Inventor of the AirCar – the first flying car to receive a certificate of airworthiness.
In addition to induction into the Hall of Fame, awards are presented for outstanding achievements, innovations, and records.
Chairman and CEO · Dassault Aviation
Engineering degree from Telecom SudParis, joined Dassault Aviation in 1984 in the technical department, worked his way up to CEO. President of the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe.
Winner of the French Air and Space Academy Award.
President · Jet Aviation
Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering and Science in Aircraft Design. Started at Dassault Falcon Jet, moved to Jet Aviation in 2008 as Engineering Team Leader, where he worked his way up to President.
Responsible for the first VVIP completion of an Airbus A340-600 as well as several Boeing 737s.
CEO and Co-Founder · Isar Aerospace
Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Technical University of Munich; founded the startup Isar Aerospace at age 26 and built a serial production facility for launch vehicles.
First test flight of the "Spectrum" launch vehicle in March 2025.
Former Chief Test Pilot · Airbus Helicopters
French Air Force jet pilot, later transitioned to helicopter and test pilot. Employed at Airbus Helicopters as Chief Test Pilot.
First and only helicopter landing on Mount Everest to date, five-time world record holder.
Skydivers and wingsuit pilots · Red Bull Skydive Team
Both are founding members of the Red Bull Skydive Team, each with over 10,000 jumps.
World's first wingsuit flight through London's Tower Bridge.
Since 2003, the Living Legends of Aviation have recognized extraordinary individuals in aviation—entrepreneurs, innovators, astronauts, record holders, and pilots. Awards are presented for outstanding achievements, alongside inductions into the Hall of Fame.
The European edition has been held at the scalaria on Lake Wolfgang since 2019. Honorees have included Sir Richard Branson, Bertrand Piccard, Iren Dornier, Dario Costa, and Zara Rutherford.
2026 Award Gala Program →The air show over Lake Wolfgang is visible to everyone from the lakeside promenade. The award gala at the DO-X teatro is not. If you want to be there when the 2026 winners are honored, you can join us at a sponsor table or with a business ticket—just a few meters away from the legends.
Includes red carpet, gala dinner at the DO-X teatro, and award party at circus circus.
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