The Southeast Section proudly congratulates two members who have recently earned the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing at least 50 years of civil and/or military piloting or aircraft operations experience.
The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is one of aviation’s most prestigious honors. Established by the Federal Aviation Administration in 2003, it recognizes pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, aviation expertise, and a commitment to safe flight operations over at least 50 years during their aviation careers. Recipients receive a certificate and commemorative pin in recognition of their remarkable achievement and dedication to aviation safety.
Janice Pelletti, founder and longtime Chair of the Appalachian Aviatrixes Chapter and former Southeast Section Governor, has just received this prestigious recognition.
Janice began flying in 1976 and went on to build an extraordinary career spanning 50 years and more than 9,700 flight hours. She worked as a flight instructor, EMS captain, and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner before joining the FAA, where she served as a General Aviation Inspector and later managed the Jackson, Mississippi FSDO.
Her qualifications include an ATP certificate, DC-9 and BE300 type ratings, Commercial Glider privileges, and Gold Seal Flight Instructor certification. Janice retired from the FAA in 2009 and continues to fly her A-36 Bonanza, pictured. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she has devoted decades to mentoring and supporting the aviation community through The Ninety-Nines, Civil Air Patrol, FAAST, and numerous aviation education initiatives.
Janice is a legacy member of The Ninety-Nines, following in her mother’s footsteps, and has been a dedicated and active member since January 1977. We are proud to celebrate Janice’s more than five decades of aviation, safety, mentorship, and service to The Ninety-Nines and the aviation community. Congratulations, Janice, on this well-deserved honor!
Carolyn Pasqualino, Florida Suncoast Chapter, recently received the award after beginning her flying journey with her first solo nearly 52 years ago on November 14, 1974.
Carolyn has been an active member of The Ninety-Nines for almost as long, since joining in March of 1983.
Carolyn is pictured in her Beechcraft T-34B Mentor, wearing the Lightspeed headset she won in the Ninety-Nines quarterly drawing. Congratulations, Carolyn, on this remarkable aviation milestone!