CHENANGO COUNTY – Two Chenango County residents received the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in recognition of 50 years of safe flights and their dedicated service, technical expertise, professionalism, and contributions in making aviation more safe.

Pilots John Weidman, of Oxford, and Stanley Edwards, of Norwich, were awarded the Master Pilot Award on September 29 at a presentation in Cincinnati, OH, joined by two other recipients of the award as well as fellow pilots, family members, and friends. Weidman and Edwards are both lifelong residents of Chenango County.

In order to be considered for the award, the FAA requires 50 or more years of safe piloting for review. After being added to the Master Pilot Award's Roll of Honor, Weidman and Edwards join just 1.5 percent of all pilots nationally who have received the award.

Both Weidman and Edwards began their commercial flying careers at the Norwich airport. Although retired today, both continue to be active in the aviation community as pilots, mechanics, and technical advisors, with their leadership and mentorship still resonating with both the local and national aviation community.