Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award

Burt Compton, owner of Marfa Gliders in southwest Texas, has been recognized by the FAA with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years as a pilot and flight instructor.Burt grew up on his parent's airport south of Miami, Florida, and established his glider flight school there in 1995.Moving his flight operations to Marfa in 2001, he continues to enjoy teaching students and hosting soaring pilots from around the world who recognize Marfa and the Big Bend of Texas as a world-class glider flying destination. "I am very honored to receive this significant award, but in my mind, I am still just the kid on the airport, fascinated with aviation" said Compton.Burt is a Designated Pilot Examiner, a Trustee of the Soaring Safety Foundation, the 2010 recipient of the Soaring Society of America Warren Eaton Award and a Life Member of the SSA since 1967.