Vern Estes to enter National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2027

Estes Industries founder Vern Estes has been selected for induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s Class of 2027. The honor recognizes the model rocketry pioneer whose work with wife Gleda helped bring safe, affordable rocketry to families, schools and hobbyists nationwide.

Why it matters: - Vern Estes helped turn model rocketry from a niche activity into a hands-on gateway to physics, engineering and aerospace careers. - The National Aviation Hall of Fame induction recognizes the broader educational impact of Estes Industries, not just its business success. - The recognition comes as model rocketry continues to shape how students and hobbyists first engage with flight science.

What happened: - Estes Industries announced that founder Vern Estes has been selected for induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame Class of 2027. - The honor places Vern Estes among people recognized for major contributions to aviation and aerospace. - The formal enshrinement ceremony will be announced later by the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

The details: - Vern and Gleda Estes founded Estes Industries in 1958 in Denver, Colorado. - Vern Estes developed “Mabel,” an automated machine that enabled mass production of safe, affordable model rocket engines. - That manufacturing breakthrough helped make model rocketry available to families, schools and enthusiasts across the country. - Gleda Estes handled business operations, customer relations and fulfillment. - Estes Industries moved to Penrose, Colorado, in 1961 and still operates there today. - Vern Estes said being recognized alongside aerospace pioneers is an incredible honor. - Vern Estes said one of the greatest rewards of his life has been hearing from people whose first Estes rocket helped launch careers in aviation, engineering or space exploration. - Vern Estes said he believes young people are inspired by building and creating with their own hands. - Vern Estes said he hopes the work he and Gleda started continues to inspire the next generation to reach higher. - Mallory Langford, president of Estes Industries, said Vern Estes helped create opportunities for generations of people to discover what they could achieve. - Mallory Langford said Vern Estes’ ingenuity, commitment to safety and belief that everyone should experience rocketry helped inspire future engineers, scientists and aerospace professionals. - The company described model rocketry as a more than six-decade educational tradition that introduces young people to flight, science and engineering. - Estes Industries is a leading manufacturer of model rockets, engines and accessories. - More information is available in the company's announcement. - The National Aviation Hall of Fame was founded in 1962 and is the nation’s only Congressionally chartered aviation hall of fame. - More information is available from the National Aviation Hall of Fame. - The company also pointed readers to Dear Mr. Estes, a recently released book by Vern Estes and Betty Estes Geer about the early years of Estes Industries and the development of modern model rocketry.

Between the lines: - The induction elevates model rocketry as an important feeder into aerospace education and careers. - The honor also highlights Gleda Estes’ role in building the company, even though the recognition goes to Vern Estes. - The timing reinforces how a consumer hobby became part of the long pipeline into aviation and space fields.

What's next: - The National Aviation Hall of Fame will announce details of the formal enshrinement ceremony. - Estes Industries will continue operating in Penrose while carrying forward the legacy built by Vern and Gleda Estes. - Interest in the couple’s story may grow around Dear Mr. Estes and the company’s history.