Local pilot receives Wright Brothers Master Award

QUEENSBURY | The Federal Aviation Administration presented James Barrett, local pilot and entrepreneur with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on Saturday, May 11. The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This award, named after the Wright Brothers, is to recognize individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 years of piloting experience or 50 or more years combined experience in both piloting and aircraft operations. Mr. Barrett has been involved in the airport since his youth. His father was station manager for Colonial, Mohawk, and Eastern airline, which served the airport into the 1970s. He became a private pilot in 1968. Over the years he obtained additional ratings, including commercial and flight instructor, and has flown to many states, including Alaska, for business and pleasure. He created and has continuously operated Leaf Air, LLC, a flight school and scenic tour operation at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport since 2003. Over the years he has used his experiences and dedication to aviation safety to inspire and teach new generations of pilots. Many have gone on to airlines, corporate flight departments and the military, The award ceremony was held at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, with many former students and friends attending the event. Adina Papp, FAA Safety Team Program Manager and Aviation Safety Inspector at Albany FAA-FSDO presented the award.

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Local pilot receives Wright Brothers Master Award

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