Augusta pilot wins safety award at 80

Maurice Clifford “Bill” Calkins, who has flown planes for 64 years, turned 80 this year, and he’s certainly been a safe, careful pilot.

On May 20, he was one of only 12 pilots in Michigan history who have been presented with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, according to the Web site of the Federal Aviation Administration, www.faa.gov.

To be nominated for the award, a pilot must have flown more than 50 consecutive years without an accident or infraction.

Calkins said he is proud of his Wright Brothers award, but he seems to be equally pleased about joining the United Flying Octogenarians, or “UFO.”

“You’ve got to be 80 to belong — and you have to be still flying. I had to mail them proof of my license, my medical records, my flight check I have to take every two years — so this is a serious organization. I’m just glad I’ve lived long enough to join.”

the Enquirer