Senior Captain Chosen for FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award

Captain Larry Bartlett has been chosen to receive the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in recognition of his longstanding service within the aviation industry. 

The award is granted to those who hold a pilot certificate and gain 50+ years of experience in civil and military piloting experience, allowing the FAA to reward those who bring decades of experience to the profession. Duncan refers to the Wright Brothers Award as the "most prestigious award the FAA issues" to Part 61 pilots.

Bartlett has been a fixture of the scene in Duncan's backyard and on the flightline, actively involved with the local FAAST efforts as a highly experienced flight instructor. Throughout his career, he's been through the gamut of training experiences for general aviation.

“I’ve attended FlightSafety for aircraft initial or recurrent pilot training over 60 times,” said Bartlett. “I’ve also taken roughly 160 FAA Part 135 check rides to stay current to fly air taxi over the years.”

Craig Rathjen, Duncan flight department manager, says the captain is one of the best pilots on the roster. He described Bartlett as very skilled and knowledgeable with a wide range of experience in the more accessible, lesser-known areas of flight operations. Bartlett has instructed since the early 70's with his CFII, as well as flown thousands of hours of charter work before signing on as Duncan's chief pilot.

“Larry has a great love for aviation and is always willing to pass on knowledge to other pilots,” said Rathjen. “Larry is very deserving of this award. He has had a great career in aviation and has taught and helped many pilots along the way.”

FMI: www.duncanaviation.com