Edward L. Montgomery of Alpine recently received the Federal Aviation Administration’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The award recognizes his 50+ years of piloting and commitment to aviation safety.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the FAA’s highest award for pilots. Named for aviation pioneers many know from history books, Orville and Wilbur Wright, the award recognizes pilots who have demonstrated exemplary aviation experience, professionalism and a commitment to safe flight operations for at least 50 years. Recipients must meet specific FAA eligibility requirements, and their names are added to the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award Roll of Honor.

Montgomery received the award on September 8. It was presented by FAA officials from Salt Lake City. Montgomery’s wife had reached out to the FAA and the award came as a surprise to Montgomery.

“The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is a great honor, and I’m really flattered to have been awarded it,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery’s aviation career began while he was serving in the military. He was interested in learning to fly, so he applied and was accepted to U.S. Army Aviation School.

Over the 50+ years of flying, Mongomery has been in the cockpit of several aircrafts. His duties and jobs have taken him to many locations as he had to travel extensively. The aircraft that stands out the most for Mongomery is the S-64 SkyCrane.

“The SkyCrane is by far the most fulfilling aircraft that I’ve had the pleasure of flying,” he said. He retired with over 19,700 hours of safe flight.

He explains that The SkyCrane is designed as a “heavy load lifter”. It is a utility helicopter that is not made to carry passengers. “It is a very technical aircraft, but it’s also forgiving.”

Due to the travel required with the work done on the helicopter, traveling to and from job sites, it was hard on the family as he was gone for extended periods of time away from home. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system.

“It’s very important to have a good support group at home,” Montgomery said. “So, my wife Debbie would be that person I think who has supported me the most in my career.”

For Montgomery, the most rewarding part of his career has been completing a job safely.

“I think of all the hours I’ve spent flying, the most fulfilling ones were the accomplishment of a task that was performed safely, and everyone went home at the end of the day,” he said.