By James T. Franklin, EAA 1185170

Steve Allen Hill, EAA Lifetime 199826, and James T. Franklin, EAA 1185170, both received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on Friday, August 7, 2026, at an awards presentation party at Jim’s hangar at Whiteplains Airport (SC99) in Gilbert, South Carolina.

Steve has held a commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and a DC-3 type rating since September 1970. He owns and flies his 300-hp Cessna 180. Steve’s wife Kelley was at his side while FAA Inspector James Dangerfield presented his award.

James has held a commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and a B-727 flight engineer rating since June 1976. He owned and flew his Cessna 180 for 42 years. His wife Kay was at his side while FAA Inspector James Dangerfield presented his award.