We are very happy to report that SCAPA member Pat Groves will receive the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award on Sept. 30, 2015.
The FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award recognizes pilots who have maintained safe flight operations for 50 or more years. To date there are fewer than 3,300 pilots who have ever achieved this recognition. A couple of notable honorees are Bob Hoover and Clay Lacy.
M. D. P. “Pat†Groves first soloed at Houston Beechcraft at Houston International Airport in 1965 and continued flying actively as he moved to Annapolis and later Northern California. He has had a varied career, initially in the tech sector, transitioning to professional pilot at age 49. At that time, he started teaching at San Jose State’s Aviation Department, eventually being elected chair. Today, Pat is an active professional pilot flying for a select group of clients through his company Groves Pilot Service. He flies a variety of aircraft for clients including Citations and Hawkers and owns a Beechcraft Baron and a Diamond Star.
In one of his recommendation letters, Mr. R. W. Mark wrote “If ever a person were worthy of receiving a Master Pilot Award, it would be Pat.†This sentiment is echoed by anyone who has ever had the privilege of flying with Pat as student, colleague, or passenger.
FAA Master Pilot Pat Groves and his wife Kathy Groves, also a professional pilot. Photo was taken at KSUN in Hailey, Idaho.
