PTI Board Member Bill Whiteheart Recognized by FAA as ‘Master Pilot’

Piedmont Triad Airport Authority member Bill Whiteheart was awarded one of the Federal Aviation Administration’s most prestigious piloting recognitions at a meeting of the Airport Authority on April 25.

Robert Sutherlin, a representative of the FAA, presented Whiteheart with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which recognizes individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as “master pilots.”

“I am humbled to be honored by the FAA for something that I love to do,” Whiteheart said. “And I am gratified to be able to bring my expertise as a pilot to the Airport Authority.”

To be eligible for the award, nominees must be a U.S. citizen, hold an FAA pilot certificate and have 50 or more years of civil or military flying experience.

As a Master Pilot, Whiteheart’s name will be added to a published Roll of Honor located on the FAA website.