Harrison Ford honored for his altitude

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DENVER - Harrison Ford piloted the skies of Denver this past weekend. However this time, it was not for a movie role.

On Saturday, Ford, 67, was in town at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum to receive the "Spreading Wings" award. The award recognizes Ford's work in promoting aviation to youth in addition to in his films.

During his visit to the Mile High City, Ford gave a group of kids a short ride on a De Havilland Beaver aircraft from Centennial Airport. These kids were a part of "The Young Eagles" program.

Ford says he hopes the young adults will become interested in aviation. It is one of his ambitions "to reach out to young people."

He explains that he enjoyed introducing them to "the thrill of the third dimension," as some of the kids on the flight had never been in an airplane before.

Ford says it is his personal ambition to speak out for advocating general aviation.

"...General aviation does a great job for this country," Ford said.

General aviation is under "severe threat by special interests," according to Ford. He explains that smaller airports are important for the vitality of local communities.

"The communities in which those airports exist are unaware of the economic impact of those airports on their communities: the taxes that are paid, the people that are employed," Ford explained.

Moving 30,000 feet above the glitz of Hollywood was something Ford is glad he did.

"I wanted to think of myself as having some other string in my bow," he explained.

While acting may be Ford's natural forte, aviation continues to be "a very significant part of [his] life."

"...For myself, aviation gave me the opportunity to learn something new. I hadn't learned anything for a long time, and I wanted to challenge myself with a learning situation," Ford said.

When not flying the skies, Ford remains busy with film projects and remains passionate about being an actor, as well as a pilot.