Lt. Col. Tom Smith of the California Wing’s South Bay Senior Squadron 129 has joined the ranks of flyers recognized with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for more than 50 years of aviation experience, professionalism, and exemplary flight safety.
Smith joined Civil Air Patrol in January 2009. He spent 26 years in the U.S. Navy, including more than two decades flying tactical jets from various aircraft carriers as a single- seat A-7 and F-18 fighter pilot operating in Day, Night, and Instrument Conditions. His career culminated with command of an F-18 unit.
After leaving the Navy as a captain, he flew as an a captain for Continental Airlines and then United Airlines in multiple aircraft with type ratings in the Boeing 727, 737, 757, 767, and 777 as well as the MD10, EA500, and EMB 500. He retired as a check/instructor pilot.
He holds flight ratings of Commercial Pilot Airplane, Multi-Engine Land, Certificated Flight Instructor — Instrument, Airline Transport Pilot, Flight Engineer, and Gliders and has acted as an FAA designee demonstrating his skills and capabilities both in military and professional aviation.
He serves as a mission pilot and instructor pilot for CAP._____Capt. Robert FentonCommanderSouth Bay Senior Squadron 129
