Prince Harry’s recent induction as a living legend of aviation has ignited a wave of criticism within the flying community.

Many aviators are questioning the basis of his extraordinary accomplishment in the field.

Alongside three other men, Harry is set to be honored for his significant contributions to aviation and aerospace.

While this recognition, which has been in existence since 2003, has previously celebrated true legends like Buzz Aldrin, the astronaut, and Chelsea Sullenberger, the pilot who successfully landed an Airbus on the Hudson River in 2009, it is primarily regarded as an industry award rather than a national honor.

Despite the longstanding tradition, the inclusion of Prince Harry at the ceremony in Beverly Hills on Friday has raised eyebrows among some members of the aviation world.

They are questioning what truly qualifies the Prince as one of the remarkable individuals who have achieved extraordinary feats in aviation.

An online petition has garnered more than 11,000 signatures, urging the organizers to reconsider this honor.

The petition argues that the Prince’s role as a co-pilot and gunner on Apache helicopters in Afghanistan, where he played a vital role in saving the lives of Allied forces and countless victims, is inaccurately portrayed.

It deems it a travesty that such a prestigious organization would overlook the true heroes who risk their lives daily in service to their countries.

Readers on AVWeb, an American aviation news site, have repeatedly labeled the award as a joke.

Lord West of Spithead, a former First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy, expressed his doubts about Prince Harry’s aeronautical achievements during his time serving in the army.

He firmly stated, “He’s not a living legend of aviation.

It makes the whole thing seem like nonsense if they’re willing to pick someone like Prince Harry,” in an interview with the Mail Online.

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by John Travolta, a pilot since his teenage years, who holds qualifications to fly Boeing airliners.

Travolta, who owns several jets and has devoted decades to promoting aviation, is well-respected within the industry.

Joining Prince Harry as recipients of this year’s award are Fred George, a renowned aviation writer and US Navy pilot with over 300 carrier landings, Mark Parent, Chairman and Chief Executive of CAE, a manufacturer of flight training simulators, and Steve Hinton, a former world speed record holder and Hollywood film pilot.

Interestingly, according to a YouTube channel, several aviation legends have declined invitations to attend Harry’s awards ceremony.

Their reasoning stems from the fact that the Duke is not a qualified pilot.

While some netizens mocked the report, speculating that the Sussexes paid for the award, others simply questioned its validity.

One commenter sarcastically remarked, “The man never qualified as a pilot, he was a gunner.

Guess, unlike his art class at Eton, he wasn’t allowed to have someone else take the qualifying exams for him.

I wonder how much this purchased fake accolade cost them.”

Another individual added, “Ha, this is epic because he’s not only failed his theoretical exam, but also his flying test several times.

I guess he was upset about not making the Sandhurst yearbook and decided to buy another totally unrealistic award again.

How much did it cost?