A Texas County native was awarded a top Federal Aviation Administration safety award recently during a convention in Kansas.
Bob Coats, of Cabool, was presented The Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award at the annual International Cessna 170 Convention in Newton, Kan., just outside of Wichita. The award was presented by retired FAA safety officer, Harley Pickett of Lake City, Fla., and is given for 50 years of dedicated service, technical expertise, professionalism and many outstanding contributions to further the cause of aviation safety.
Bob received his pilot’s license in 1969 after taking lessons from local instructor, Jim Brallier, and has more than 7,000 hours of safe flight. He has flown his aircraft in all states of the United States and all provinces of Canada. Through the years he has helped manage the Cabool Airport and been influential in helping many young people obtain their pilot licenses. He has helped organize and fly in the annual senior post-graduation flights for the Cabool High School graduates for the past 20-plus years.
He is a member and past president of the International Cessna 170 Association, member of EAA Chapter 1218 Willow Springs, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, member of Missouri Pilots Association and other aviation organizations.