IMCClubs.org is honoring the legacy of renowned flight instructor Joseph Benkert by bestowing upon him the designation of the IMC Club’s first official Gold Charter Number, number 001, and initiating a petition to rename Massachusett’s Norwood Airport to the “Joseph W. Benkert Memorial Airport.”
Benkert passed away unexpectedly March 10. A former pilot for TWA and an Air Force veteran of the Korean War, he was the proprietor of The Pilot Shop and Aviators Careers Instrument School in Norwood. He also was the author of “Introduction to Aviators Science.”
A resolution adopted at the special meeting of the board of directors of IMCClubs March 11 notes:
“WHEREAS Joseph W. Benkert established himself as an instrument flying expert through practice and research, educated many pilots in the art and science of instrument flying through recognized and widely acclaimed training materials, made important contributions to safety, readily supported the call for a organization to promote safety and instrument proficiency, volunteered to serve as a guest speaker and was a high-profile, distinguished educator who supported IMC Club through generous contributions, inspiration and moral encouragement.
Noting all of the above, and considering the positive contributions of Joseph W. Benkert as a long-time aviation educator and instrument flying instructor, due recognition is well deserved. Joseph W. Benkert’s legacy is honored by posthumously bestowing upon him the designation of the IMCClub’s first official Gold Charter Member, number 001, and submitting petition to the proper authorities to rename the Norwood Memorial Airport to the “Joseph W. Benkert Memorial Airport.”
The petition will be available for signature at Norwood Flight Academy, online and at IMCClubs.org
