WARREN, Ark. – In a ceremony marked by a unique celebration, local pilot Rickey (Rick) Stracner was honored with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on Thursday evening at the Warren Municipal Building. This award, presented by Chad Simpson and Jamie Black of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in Arkansas, recognizes Stracner’s 50 years of dedicated service to aviation.
Top photo: Rick Stracner recieves the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on Thursday evening from Jamie Black(left) and Chad Simpson(right) of the FAA.
The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, named in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the pioneers of powered flight, is one of the highest honors a civilian aviator can receive. Established by the FAA, the award is bestowed upon pilots who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while maintaining a spotless safety record. It celebrates the enduring spirit of the Wright Brothers, whose historic maiden flight in 1903 forever changed the course of history. The award serves not only as a recognition of individual achievement but also as a symbol of the legacy that seasoned pilots pass on to the next generation of aviators.
During the ceremony, attendees, including Stracner’s wife Libby, several of his students, as well as members of the Warren Aviation Commision, of which Rick is a part, were treated to a short documentary film that highlighted the history of the Wright Brothers’ maiden flight and the significance of the award that bears their name. The film added a poignant touch to the evening, reminding all present of the profound impact the Wright Brothers had on the world of aviation and how that legacy lives on through pilots like Stracner.
Stracner’s aviation journey began on May 26, 1974, when he took his first solo flight at Washington Executive Airpark Hyde Field in Maryland. Over the decades, Stracner has accumulated an impressive array of certificates and ratings, including Commercial Pilot Single and Multi-Engine Land Instrument rating, Flight Instructor certifications, and a Remote Pilot license. His expertise extends to flying and instructing in a wide range of aircraft, including the Cessna Citation Jet, where he holds a CE500 Type Rating. His career has seen him serve as a charter pilot, corporate pilot, and flight instructor, with a total flight time of 5,500 hours.
Stracner’s dedication to aviation is further exemplified by his 20-year service in the United States Air Force, where he held numerous leadership roles in air traffic control and pilot instruction. His commitment to safety and proficiency is evident through his participation in the FAA’s WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program, where he has achieved the highest levels: Basic, Advanced, and Master Wings.
Currently, Stracner is an active flight instructor and pilot, focusing on training in technically advanced aircraft with an emphasis on instrument flight, crew resource management, and air traffic control communication. His passion for aviation continues as he serves on the Aviation Commission for the City of Warren, Arkansas, and as a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
The evening concluded with heartfelt congratulations from those in attendance, recognizing not only Stracner’s remarkable achievements but also the impact he has had on the lives of countless students and fellow aviators. The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award serves as a fitting tribute to a man whose half-century in aviation embodies the very essence of dedication, professionalism, and a lifelong love for the skies.
