The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and a Time to Reflect
I was recently presented with the FAA's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. It reads "In recognition of your 50 years of exemplary aviation flight experience, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment to aviation safety." That's a lot to live up to.
My nominators included Amy Hoover and Dick Williams. Both of whom are well known as outstanding pilots, authors and aviation educators focused on mountain, canyon and backcountry flying. Rich Stowell, my third nominator, is regarded by many as the leading expert on aircraft control and emergency maneuver training. Few have done more to further aviation safety. Receiving some measure of their respect is the biggest honor of all.
Like many, I've been lucky and learned from mistakes. I simply do my best to improve, share what I know, while trying to set a good example. As they say, a good pilot is always learning.
Receiving the award has given me an opportunity to reflect and feel thankful for my fifty plus years of flying. I thank my family, friends, mentors and clients who've given me so much along the way.
Fred Williams
Adventure Flying Services LLC
![IMG_9919 My mother, Norma Williams, took her first lesson the day of my dad's check ride, earning her certificate just four months later. Her aviation journey included women's air racing, and a commercial certificate. She was a founder the Santa Paula chapter of the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women's Pilots. Together with my dad, they enjoyed traveling and camping out of the airplanes they owned.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_9919.jpg?time=1722002597)
![IMG_9999 My first instructor and boss, Rex Wells, is pictured here. Sammy Mason, said this about Rex: "Normally retiring and shy, he became a tiger behind the controls of an airplane. He used to delight in killing the engine of his Aeronca, stopping the propeller, and then silently and gracefully twist the C3 through a series of deadstick aerobatics". He'd then step out and prop start it.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_9999-1024x768.jpg)
![IMG_0005 I am incredibly fortunate to have worked for, and learned so much Mildred and Rex Wells. I gassed, cleaned and rented airplanes along with selling parts and working a bit in the shop. They introduced me to some amazing aviators and I was surrounded by good folks who loved airplanes. A great time of my life.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_0005-1024x768.jpg)
![2014_04_25_18_48_35.pdf000 At one point during my sixteenth year, Mildred Wells pointed me toward an old Taylorcraft. I was able to buy it for $1400. Rex helped me clean it up, then gave me a tailwheel checkout in 45 minutes and 6 landings. I could fly it for $2 per hour in avgas. Much better than the $10 per hour it cost to rent the C150 pictured behind me.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2014_04_25_18_48_35.pdf000-1024x1024.jpg)
![Bucher 2 The Santa Paula Airport was home to some amazing aviators. Mira Slovak was one such character well-worth googling. He's the only person in my life who regularly called me "Freddy." I was thrilled when he offered to take me up and teach me slow rolls in this highly-modified 1930s Bücker. How could any kid ever forget a day like that?](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Bucher-2.jpg?time=1722002597)
![IMG_9993 For me, Santa Paula was the right place at the right time. Where else would I have been able to meet so many unique aviation personalities. Here's just one example: Bud Gurney, at right, was a life-long friend of Charles Lindbergh. They barnstormed together in the 1920s. Fifty years later, Bud based his Gypsy Moth at SZP where I'd help him fuel and spin the prop to get him on his way.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_9993-768x1024.jpg)
![IMG_0694 Rex was an amazing pilot, but a man of few words in the cockpit. He'd show me what to do and I'd do my best to duplicate it. I guess it worked as I made it through the Private Pilot check ride on my seventeenth birthday. Jim Dewey was my examiner. It was then on to aerobatic training with Dan Gray at Michael Dewey Aviation.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_0694-1024x753.jpeg)
![Reno In 1973 I was invited along to hang out and crew at the Reno Air Races. Mira Slovak, who had won the very first Reno Air Race in 1964 was there in his P-39 Air Cobra. In this photo I'm helping hold back a Cassutt race plane owned and piloted by Ken Haas. Those were the days of Bob Hoover, huge crowds, exciting races and non-stop airshows.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Reno-1024x806.jpg)
![2012_09_15_21_59_34.pdf003 I can always thank my mom and dad for having me fly their airplanes when I was without one of my own. They've owned several and enjoyed years of flying together on some great adventures throughout the west and into Alaska. In this picture, they've flown up to see and hold their new grandchild. One who will end up being the fourth generation pilot of the Williams family.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2012_09_15_21_59_34.pdf003.jpg?time=1722002597)
![2012_09_15_20_46_20.pdf002 The 80s and 90s were a busy time for me building a business in the outdoor industry. I made good use of my instrument rating with this Cessna 177B, punching in and out of the coastal fog to visit suppliers, dealers, family. One trip I'll always remember was with my infant son in the back while we flew toward the sunrise over Monument Valley.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2012_09_15_20_46_20.pdf002.jpg?time=1722002597)
![IMG_5521 Nothing makes me happier than taking an airplane camping trip with my favorite left-seater. Dianna shares my passion for flying to off-the-beaten-path locations, pitching a tent and exploring the area on foot. Much like I did on my very first backcountry trip in the Sierra some fifty years ago. Shown here at Sullivan lake in Washington state.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_5521-1024x768.jpeg)
![IMG_9537 I've been a supporter of the Recreational Aviation Foundation since 2015. My interest in aviation is closely tied with my love of the outdoors. It's always my desire to access the backcountry in a responsible way and only makes sense that I would share the RAFs mission and code of conduct with fellow aviatiors.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_9537-1024x1024.jpg)
![20210708_091750 2 The rewards of instructing are made all the better by the countless clients I now call friends. Melissa is a great example. Her dream was to fly in the backcountry. She first soloed in our Kitfox and bought the airplane pictured here while still a student. We brought it back from Texas together and she earned her Private Pilot certificate soon after. Idaho Mountain/canyon training followed. Her dream fulfilled, Alaska awaits.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/20210708_091750-2-1024x768.jpg)
![IMG_0715 I flew my father across the Sierra Nevada on the day I received my Wright Brother's Master Pilot Award. I had proudly watched as he was presented with the very same award just a couple years before. He put me on this path fifty years ago. It was a pleasure to have him there with me as I received mine.](https://3397cd.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_0715-1-1024x767.jpeg)