On September 14, 2024, aviation innovators Dr. Min Kao and the late Gary Burrell, co-founders of Garmin, were inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF). They were recognized during the 60th annual ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. This honor not only secures their place among aviation pioneers but also celebrates how they’ve truly changed the industry. Their commitment to aviation safety, making flying more efficient and more accessible, is unparalleled in the industry.
Garmin’s Aviation Safety Journey
Garmin’s journey began 35 years ago. Kao and Burrell founded the company with a mission to make advanced navigation and communication technology widely available. Their innovations, including the GPS 100AVD—one of the first accessible GPS navigators—and the Autoland system, have made air travel safer and more reliable. Autoland also won the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy. Autoland set a new benchmark for life-saving automation by allowing aircraft to land autonomously in emergencies.
Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and CEO, stated, “To truly honor their pioneering work and the foundation they laid for Garmin’s acclaimed products, there is no greater tribute than seeing them inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.”
CE Avionics & Garmin Partnership
At CE Avionics, we take special pride in this milestone. As one of Garmin’s earliest dealers, we have had a front-row seat to their achievements. Since our partnership with Garmin began on December 30, 1991, CE Avionics has supported their legacy of innovation, helping to bring their groundbreaking technologies to pilots and operators everywhere.
Our founders, Loren and Susan Friedle, recognized the potential of Garmin’s vision from the start. A vision that has aligned CE Avionics with a brand that has reshaped modern flight. Reflecting on over three decades of collaboration, we are more committed than ever to supporting the Garmin mission of advancing aviation safety and efficiency.
To learn more about CE Avionics’ history and pioneering spirit, read this feature on our founders from Avionics News originally published by the Aircraft Electronics Association in 2012.
