Aviation author, humorist and flight instructor Rod Machado will be the 31st recipient of the prestigious Crystal Eagle Award, presented annually by the Aero Club of Northern California to honor those whose achievements are among the highest endeavors in aviation and aerospace.
The awards dinner will be held Friday, Nov. 1 at the Hiller Aviation Museum at San Carlos Airport in San Mateo County, California.
The Aero Club will also present awards from the National Aeronautic Association to two individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation.
Three $2,000 scholarships, funded by a silent auction at the dinner, will be awarded to students enrolled in San Francisco Bay Area college and university aviation programs.
Machado, a pilot since 1970 and holder of multiple ratings, is best known as an author of aviation books and a seminar speaker at events such as EAA AirVenture, SUN ’n FUN and other airshows. His seminars include Defensive Flying, Handling In-Flight Emergencies, and Aviation Humor.
Born in Oakland, Machado started flying at age 16 at Reid-Hillview Airport in San Jose. He soloed at 17 and took his private pilot check ride with famed flight instructor and air show pilot Amelia Reid. By age 19, he was a certified flight instructor. Over the years, he earned a number of other pilot ratings, including instrument, commercial and airline transport pilot. He has several type ratings, but usually flies a Cessna 150. He has logged more than 8,000 flight hours, most of it giving dual instruction.
Mitch Latting says
Rod Machado certainly deserves the Crystal Eagle Award. As a writer, educator and humorist, Rod is a treasure to aviation! He is determined to keep the fun in learning and that he does. Congratulations Rod Machado and thank you for your outstanding positive contributions to aviation.
Mitch Latting and Jolie Lucas
VP’s, Region 3
California Pilots Association
co-founders Friends of Oceano Airport
co-counders Mooney Ambassadors