EAA Chapter 983 at Pecan Plantation Airport (0TX1) in Texas just set a record: 31 of its members received Wright Brothers Master Pilot Awards at a ceremony Nov. 11, 2023, while another received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.
Usually a ceremony includes one or two pilots — I attended one at SUN ‘n FUN that had seven and it was the largest I’d ever seen.
Named after Wilbur and Orville Wright, the Master Pilot award is given only to pilots who have had 50 years (or more) of safe flying, while the Master Mechanic Award — named after the Wright’s mechanic — is for 50 years of aviation maintenance.
So congratulations to the record-setting pilots of EAA Chapter 983!
From left to right: Joe Murphy (FAA), Steve Wilson (Charles Taylor award winner), John Bowen, Mike Brake, Ed Askins, Dave Cole, Jackie Vaughn, Neil Downing, Steve Thomas, Tom Thibault, Bill Eslick, Rusty Strickler, Bob Funk, Les Staples, Don Gardner, Paul Siedschlag, Gerry Scheeler, Jerry Gazda, Paul Pickering, Doug Green, Bob Pastusek, Don Gumm, Bob Moreau, Pat Hockett, Dave Moore, Bob Horton, Kenny Miller, John Jaeckle, Mark McNair, Carl Keil, Darrell Hughes (FAA), and Richard Keyt. Not pictured: John McComas and Jerry Winfield. (Photo Courtesy: EAA Chapter 983)
You can learn more about the Wrights Brothers Master Pilot Award here, as well as see a full list of all the pilots who have earned the award.
The award used to state, “ no accident, incidents or revocations” and was changed to just no revocations. 50 years from your first solo is the start point. In the case of EAA chapter 983, there were over 40 who qualified. Some didn’t get the paperwork in on time and others didn’t think it was worth a piece of paper. Of the 69 pilots who have received this award in Hood county, Texas, 63 have been associated with EAA chapter 983. The FAA used to provide a plaque and pins for the spouse. Now that’s handled by an outside vendor. Thanks to FAA’s Joe Murphy, and Darrell Hughes, from the North Texas FSDO for all their work and putting on a fine presentation!
I also received the honorary Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award last this year but there was no fan fare or formal recognition. There was no award ceremony of any kind by the FAA/FISDO. I am not a member of the EEA. I received the certificate and letter in the mail, and was informed I had to order and pay for the plaque myself. Flying 50 consecutive years is not the only requirement to earn the award. One has to fly 50 consecutive years WITHOUT having an accident, incident, or violation. We don’t get there by acting irresponsible, unsafe, or putting people in harms way. I guess the only way to be recognized is if I lost control of my aircraft, ran out fuel, landed gear up, or did something really stupid, stuff we are reminded about in General Aviation News that happens all too often.
The Master Pilot award — these days — is quite common due to the large “bubble” of pilots minted between the 50’s and 70’s. The number of Master Mechanic awards is FAR less numerous. And, the number of people who possess BOTH awards is miniscule, by comparison. To earn both is quite an accomplishment.
This is “the canary in the coal mine !” There are not enough A&P’s and far fewer IA’s doing GA work !! It’s time to do something. I’ve been bringing this up at EAA Membership meetings at Airventure but they’re not listening, sadly.
Anyhow … great to hear of a ceremony SO large. I was part of one at SnF 2019 with 8 people, BTW .
Not sure if I qualify quite yet. I soloed in July of 1972 , but didn’t get my Private certificate until 1976. When does the clock start? Is there a minimum number of hours?
Are you required to have flown in each of the 50 years?
From the date of your first solo. No hours, no currency, but you have to have qualified as a pilot for 50 years.