The Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame inducted Kenneth Wayne Johnson as one of three new members Thursday night.
Johnson, general manager of Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility, chairman of the Pine Bluff Aviation Commission and long-time pilot, was honored by the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society.
The society honored the three new members for their contributions to aviation and aerospace history, according to a news release.
“I’m deeply honored to have been selected for this prestigious recognition,” Johnson said in a news release. “For me being noted for my contributions, and now a part of aviation history here in Arkansas, is beyond words. I’ve been involved in aviation for nearly 45 years, and I’ve met so many wonderful people in our state and around the country. Additionally, I am just so appreciative for being able to provide many youth with their first exposure to aviation. I encourage them to keep their dreams alive because those dreams are definitely attainable too. “
Also Thursday, officials recognized longtime Arkansas aviators and awarded seven scholarships to young Arkansans pursuing careers in aviation at Arkansas institutions. The ceremony was held at the Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The new Hall of Fame members are:
Marion B. Burton — Longtime pilot, civic leader and associate of then-Arkansas Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller.
John Dale Price — The only flag officer awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for service during World War II.
Ken Johnson — Black Pilots of America leader who helped bring the organization’s annual “Operation Skyhook” event to Pine Bluff.
Johnson, a native of Rison, was introduced to flying in 1981 at Grider Field while he was still a student at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The experience would spark Johnson’s life-long passion for aviation, according to the release.
He would go on to earn commercial, multi-engine and certified flight instructor (instrument) pilot license ratings. In 1993, Johnson was appointed to the Arkansas Aeronautics Commission where he served for 12 years, including two years as chairman.
As a member of Black Pilots of America (BPA), Johnson was instrumental in bringing the organization’s annual “Operation Skyhook” event to Pine Bluff. Each year during the event pilots introduce Pine Bluff youth to aviation by donating more than 300 free airplane rides.
Johnson was inducted into the BPA Hall of Fame in 2022.
For more information on the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society, visit https://arkavhs.com/.