Master Pilots Awards
Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
The FAA’s most prestigious award for pilots — honoring 50 or more years of safe flight.
About the Award
The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is named in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright, two American aviation pioneers credited with inventing, building, and flying the world’s first successful motor-operated airplane. On December 17, 1903, they made the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
This award is the most prestigious the FAA issues to certified pilots. It recognizes individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while maintaining safe operations. The Colorado Pilots Association is proud to honor our members who have achieved this elite milestone.
Eligibility Requirements
- Hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority or FAA pilot certificate
- 50 or more years of civil and/or military piloting experience
- Up to 20 of the 50 years may be military service
- The 50-year period begins with first solo flight or military equivalent
- The 50 years need not be consecutive
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have no revoked airman certificates
CPA Master Pilot Honorees
William “Bill” Marvel
Grand Junction, Colorado · 55+ Years of Flying
Bill’s childhood fascination with aircraft set him on a lifelong path in aviation. He and his wife Marti purchased an airplane before buying a house — a true pilot’s priority. After 55 years of safe flying, Bill was recognized by the FAA at the CAF Rocky Mountain Wing Museum near Grand Junction Regional Airport. A longtime CPA member and Fly-In Committee leader, Bill exemplifies the spirit of general aviation in Colorado.
Bob Kinney
CPA Member · Master Pilot Award Recipient
A longtime CPA member, past Fly-In Committee Chairman, and Angel Flight West liaison, Bob Kinney earned the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in recognition of his decades of dedicated service to aviation. Bob continues to be an active voice in the Colorado aviation community and an inspiration to pilots across the state.
Are You a Master Pilot?
If you are a CPA member who has received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and would like to be recognized on this page, we’d love to hear from you. Your achievement inspires the next generation of Colorado pilots.
Learn more about the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award at FAA.gov →