EAA’s Tom Poberezny was
on hand, as was FAA’s Kevin Clover, National Manager of the FAA Safety
Team (FAAST), who presented the award to Dudley.
"I am so honored to
get this award for a lifetime of experiences," he said. Dudley, who
winters in Florida and spends summers in Michigan, said he’s made his
last flight in his Beech Baron.
"We’re so proud of
you and the whole EAA operation for what you’ve accomplished
here," he told Poberezny.
To qualify for the Wright
Master Pilot Award, one must have a total of 50 years involved in U.S.
aviation as a pilot. The effective "start-date" for the award
would occur from the applicant’s first solo flight or military
equivalent. Eligible pilots must also have held a U.S. Civil Aviation
Authority or FAA pilot certificate with 50 years or more civil
experience, or up to 20 years U.S. military experience and civilian
experience, to a total 50 years.
You also must have been a
U.S. citizen or permanent resident for the 50 years, and any revocation
of an airman certificate renders an applicant ineligible.
To learn more about the program, visit
the FAAST booth in the FAA Pavilion.
