Van Nuys Airport marked a major milestone Monday, its 90th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the airport added a new toy helicopter to its play area for children, but it also honors the memory of a man who not only left his mark on this aviation community, but the world of film and entertainment.

Kathryn Purwin stood outside looking at the toy helicopter dedicated to her late husband, Alan Purwin.

"It's cute!" she said.

Alan worked on hundreds of movies during his career, which was tragically cut short when he died in a plane crash in 2015, while shooting a film in South America.

"This is Alan in China flying on a production," she said, pointing to one of the many photos of him on the walls of her office located on airport grounds.

"He was one of the most respected movie pilots in the world and worked with the biggest producers and directors out there," Purwin said.

Now, Kathryn keeps his legacy alive, by running the company he started, Helinet Aviation, and maintaining a meaningful partnership.

"It’s been a 20 year legacy that Alan started of helping Children’s Hospital," Kathryn said.

Helinet provides free medical transport for Children's Hospital Los Angeles as part of a program that now bears his name. He even holds a special spot on its newest helicopter.

"We love that he's up there," Kathryn said, pointing to a logo with his painted face on the tail of the helicopter.

"He is the most generous person i ever knew and also the most brilliant."

The two first met at Santa Monica Aiport.

"My flight instructor said, 'Do you want Alan Purwin to give you a flight lesson?' and I went, really? He flew with me and he goes, 'You know you fly like a movie pilot and I thought, 'Oh my God, Alan Purwin said I fly like a movie pilot!'"

Of the company’s 19 helicopters...

"My favorite helicopter is 828AP," Kathryn said, referring to the tail number. "August 28th was Alan's birthday," she said.

It was a surprise from her team more than a year ago, although this latest gift from the Van Nuys Airport might very well be a close second.