William P. Horton, former chairman and a member of the
Salina Airport Authority's Board of Directors during the
Airport's formative years will be recognized this week for a
significant aviation milestone.
At 9:30 a.m.,
Saturday, May 20, 2006 at the M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal, in
Salina, Kan., Horton will be honored by the Federal Aviation
Administration with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.
The FAA recognizes the efforts of pilots who have followed
and continue to follow the precaution and awareness of safe
flight operations. Horton will become a recipient of this
award for his achievement in maintaining safe flight
operations as a pilot for more than 50 years.
This Saturday's ceremony will include the award
presentation by FAA Safety Program Manager, Bruce Allred from
the Wichita, Kan., FAA Safety Office. In addition, family,
friends and fellow aviators will be on hand to celebrate
Horton's accomplishment.
Taking his first airplane ride in 1936, Horton become a
naval aviator during WW II and a commanding officer in the
U.S. Navy in 1967. He served on the Salina Airport Authority
board of directors from 1970- 1975 and 1978-1983, including
serving as its chairman.
A Kansas native, Horton bought Salina's Mid-States Armature
Works in the early 1950's. He operated the company providing
specialized electrical engineering and fabrication services to
customers around the world for 48 years.
At present, Horton is enjoying retirement in Salina and
continues to fly his Beech Bonanza and a RV-8 homebuilt
aircraft, never missing a meeting of the Salina Airport
Authority Board of Directors.
News media wishing to cover this event may contact the SAA
offices at 785.827.3914.
The SLN Aviation Service Center has available hangar space
and room for growth to accommodate a wide array of aviation
related industries. For more information regarding expansion
opportunities at "The SLN Aviation Service Center," contact us
at 785.827.3914 or visit the available properties link at
www.salinaairport.com
