Veteran pilot honored as Master Pilot

Don Wykoff, a member of Sporty’s flight training team, has been honored by the FAA with its Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.

The award is bestowed upon pilots who have had 50 or more years of safe flying.

Don began working part-time at Sporty’s in 1974, which gave him the opportunity to pursue pilot training. He completed his first solo flight in September 1974 and earned his private pilot certificate two months later.

“Through the past five decades, Don has exemplified professionalism and exhibited safety across a variety of aviation sectors, including general aviation, military, and Part 121 airline operations,” Sporty’s officials said.

Don’s career highlights include:

• Serving as a United States Air Force T-38 instructor pilot and F-16 fighter pilot
• Working for Delta Air Lines, where he served as captain on multiple aircraft types, including the MD-88, Boeing 737, and Boeing 767
• Holding leadership positions with the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, and
• Co-authoring aviation fatigue management guidelines and contributing to FAA rulemaking efforts.

Don now serves as a liaison to organizations who want to use Sporty’s courses within their flight schools. He also works as a consultant, mentor, and coach within Sporty’s flight training organization, according to company officials.

Letters of recommendation for Don’s award emphasized his integrity, leadership, and influence on the aviation community, officials added.

As Captain Timothy Canoll, president emeritus of ALPA, stated, “Don has always operated in a safe and professional manner and is an outstanding individual who is deeply respected across all areas of aviation.”

Don and Susan, his wife of 46 years, live in West Chester, Ohio. They have two children and three grandchildren.

For more information: Sportys.com