Sparky Barnes submitted this photo and note: “Pilots Juliette Cosh and Kristy Gentry-Cox congratulate Dr. Stan Stepp at McMinn County Airport (KMMI) in Athens, Tennessee, for receiving the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on Jan. 25, 2025. An octogenarian, he’s owned close to 30 airplanes through the years, including five Piper Vagabonds.”
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Quite the honor!
I think I now qualify for the award. I soloed the Summer of 1972. Have been flying for over 52 years. Accident and violation free. Have owned two planes.
Is there a minimum hour requirement?
Is there a requirement that you can not have any gaps in your flying? (For example. You laid out of flying for X number of years to raise a family, etc.)
I have been active (and an activist) in the aviation community. Admin for several local, regional, and international General Aviation oriented social media forums. I have organized social events like lunch and camping fly-ins. I served as a member of the Aviation Advisory Board of the local, small town city council where I vigorously promoted our airport and fought an unsuccessful battle to keep to keep it open.
I’ll have no problem getting the letters of recommendation from people who carry some weight.
Do you think I’d have a chance?
Hi Ken T,
Detailed information about the requirements is available here: https://www.faasafety.gov/content/MasterPilot/
Hi Kent!
Hi Sparky, missing you in NC.