Two local pilots honored by FAA

By Patrick Lynn

Two local pilots have been honored with a prestigious award from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Bob Bowen and Dave Pringle were honored with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award during a special dinner and ceremony held at the Stevens Point Municipal Airport on June 1.

The awards were presented by Jurg Grossenbacher, a program manager in the FAA Milwaukee Flight Standards District Office.

The award is named after Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who, in 1903, achieved the first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight. They became the first pilots in the United States two years later when they built and flew the first fully practical airplane.

The award recognizes individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as “Master Pilots.”

To be eligible for the award, nominees must hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificate, at least 50 years of civil and military flying experience (up to 20 years may be military experience), and be a U.S. citizen.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots who are certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.