FORREST CITY — A Forrest City pilot has been chosen to receive a prestigious award recognizing him for years of professionalism.
In January, Homer Jacobs will be honored locally for having received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which recognizes pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill and aviation expertise by maintaining safe operations for 50 years or more.
Jacobs is only the 17th pilot in Arkansas to receive the award.
Jacobs’ first solo flight was on March 29, 1959. He also maintains a commercial license and has been a flying instructor for many years. He also has an instrument rating and is an instrument flying instructor.
He was also a long-time member of the Forrest City Airport Commission, and was part of numerous improvement projects at the airport. In addition, he performs contract work with the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
“I was always excited about aviation,” said Jacobs.
Mack McFarland, safety programmer with the Federal Aviation Administration in Arkansas, said that in order to get the award, “you have to hold a certificate for 50 years, and during that time you don’t have any violations or bad accidents that were your fault.”
McFarland went on to say that a recipient of the award must be recommended by three people.
“We got the three letters, and we submitted that to Washington, D.C.,” said Mc-Farland. “They ran a check and he checked out as a good, no-problem pilot. So we’ve issued him a plaque, and he’ll also get a pin to wear. And, his wife gets a pin - if you stick with a pilot for 50 years, you’ve got to get something.”
Jacob and his wife, Jean, have been married 56 years.
Jacobs’ name will be placed in the Hall of Honor at the FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 22 on 12/20/2009