wo long-time pilots from the Tallahassee area received the federal government's most honored award on Saturday (3/17). Both aviators were recognized for their outstanding flight performance over more than half-a-century.
Federal Aviation Administration officials from Tampa made the twin presentation inside the Florida Aviation Center at Tallahassee International Airport. Tallahassee's Andy Anderman called his recognition as much luck as piloting skill on his part.
"You think back and realize that it was a lot of trying to do the right thing and keep things safe, but there's just a little bit of luck involved there, too," he smiled. "There are things you just can't predict are going to happen and you were fortunate enough and trained enough to handle them well, so it worked out."
And despite all the new electronic gadgets available to today's pilots, Quincy's Terry Meek is still an old time, hands-on aviator.
"I'm blessed," he acknowledged. "I have a Mooney (airplane) that's well-equipped, but still, once you get that 'stick and rudder' in your blood, it's hard to get it out."
Both men are now the proud recipients of the FAA's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.
