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The FAA Presents Award to Flying’s Senior Editor

The FAA's Chicago Flight Standards District Office manager Luanne Wills-Merrel, senior editor Rob Mark and Nancy Mark. Rob Mark
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author was honored with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for achieving 50 years of accident-free flying.
  • The award process involved a rigorous FAA verification of his extensive career, encompassing roles as an airline, corporate, charter, and instructional pilot, as well as an air traffic controller.
  • The ceremony was a deeply emotional experience, marked by reunions with past colleagues, students, and family, prompting reflection on his long aviation journey.
  • He humbly acknowledged the support of many individuals, including his wife who received a special proclamation, as crucial to reaching this significant milestone.
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When people tell you they’ve watched their lives pass before their eyes, it’s usually in reaction to some kind of near-death trauma. Seeing much of my own life come back to me last week though, was actually centered around something good, even if it was a bit overwhelming.

Rob Mark

Rob Mark is an award-winning journalist, business jet pilot, flight instructor, and blogger.

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