Former AOPA Northwest Regional Representative Ray Costello will be inducted into the Oregon Aviation Hall of Honor this weekend for his contributions to aviation in the state. Four other aviators also will be honored at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville. Costello represented AOPA for 16 years in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. "Ray has been a longstanding general aviation advocate who has tirelessly served GA pilots in the Northwest," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. During his time with the association, he influenced the creation of the independent Department of Aeronautics in Oregon. In 2001, Boyer presented Costello with a special Distinguished Service Award for his "outstanding commitment to excellence in public service." Before working with AOPA, Costello served in the Air Force and was the director of planning for the Oregon Aeronautics Division. The Hall of Honor was created in 2003 by the Oregon State Department of Transportation.

October 21, 2005