BISMARCK, N.D. (NewsDakota.comc) – On Sunday, March 3rd, 11 pilots were presented with awards for participating in the “Fly North Dakota Airports” Passport Program.
The passport program presents awards to pilots for flying to airports in the state as well as attending FAA Safety Seminars and visiting the two North Dakota Air Museums.
Three pilots were presented with bronze awards for visiting at least 30 airports and attending one safety seminar. These pilots received a polo shirt embroidered with the North Dakota Flying Legacy logo. The bronze award recipients were:
Emily Gerhart Bismarck, ND
Ray Brooks Bismarck, ND
Jon Simmers Bismarck, ND
Three pilots were presented with the silver award for visiting at least 60 airports, one air museum and attending two safety seminars. These pilots received a flight bag embroidered with the North Dakota Flying Legacy logo. The Silver award recipients were:
Deen Brecht Golden Valley , ND
David Hochhalter Valley City, ND
Keith Hugo Grand Forks, ND
The most prestigious gold award level was achieved by five pilots during 2018. These pilots received a leather flight jacket embroidered with the North Dakota Flying Legacy logo in addition to the bronze and silver awards. This prestigious accomplishment is achieved when visiting all 89 public use airports in North Dakota, visiting both air museums and attending at least 3 FAA Safety seminars. These five pilots join 53 others who have completed the passport program in previous years.
The following is a list of the individuals:
James Busch Chicago, IL (formerly of Grand Forks, ND)
Keney Krein Ellendale, ND
Terry Bryn Dazey, ND
Gale Hansen Valley City, ND
Kelly Braun Dickinson, ND
The awards presentation was conducted at the Bismarck Country Club in conjunction with the Upper Midwest Aviation Symposium.
Presenting the awards was Kyle Wanner, Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission. The program is sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Tourism Division in partnership with the Aeronautics Commission, the Airport Association of North Dakota, and the North Dakota Pilots Association.