By Bobbi Lasher, EAA Chapter 724

Jim Gezik, EAA 670266, was recently honored by the FAA with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. This is the most prestigious award given by the FAA to pilots, to recognize individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 years of flying experience.

Jim learned to fly as a high school student, then after graduating college, he enlisted in the Navy as a pilot. After his active-duty commitment, he flew with five airlines, the final one being United Airlines. After 27 years at United and at the mandatory retirement age of 65, he retired from the airline. He then worked numerous jobs in general aviation as chief pilot at a local flight charter, as a commercial seaplane pilot, and as a simulator instructor at Flight Safety. He is also the builder of an Aventura II amphibious seaplane that he enjoys flying in Florida’s lakes and rivers.

Jim stressed to our many younger members that there are various paths in aviation, so not everyone flies for the military or the airlines.