Lt. Col. Craig Upton of the North Carolina Wing’s Raleigh-Wake Composite Squadron has been recognized with the Federal Aviation Administration’s, Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, honoring flyers who have demonstrated 50 years of safe flight operations, a lifelong commitment to aviation, and significant contributions to the field.
Upton, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, received the award from FAA Safety Team program manager Tim Haley during a squadron meeting in a ceremony attended by distinguished guests, family, and friends.
The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the FAA’s highest honor for civilian aviators. It acknowledges pilots who exemplify professionalism, skill, and dedication to safety over decades of service. Recipients must have at least 50 years of U.S. civil or military aviation experience, dating back to their first solo flight or pilot certification. They must also maintain an impeccable safety record, free of violations or disciplinary actions.
Upton’s aviation journey began Dec. 3, 1961, with his first orientation flight as a Civil Air Patrol cadet in the New York wing’s Seaford Composite Squadron. His passion for flying proved evident early on, as he flew solo in 1962 and earned his private pilot’s certificate in 1964 with the help of a CAP flight scholarship.
“The CAP flight scholarship was pivotal,” Upton recalled. “As much as I loved flying, it was an expensive undertaking, even in the early ’60s. Without that scholarship, I might not have earned my private pilot’s license before applying to the United States Air Force Academy.
“That was a key step in launching my career. It made the dreams of a teenage boy become reality.””
Upton was commissioned as an Air Force officer in 1969 and completed Undergraduate Pilot Training in 1970. A 20-year military career followed, including roles as a KC-135 aircraft commander, instructor pilot, T-38 evaluator, and ultimately as commander of a KC-135 squadron.
“My time as a military aviator was the most fulfilling of my career,” Upton said. “In military aviation, there’s a unique sense of mission and camaraderie. The bonds forged in a squadron last a lifetime.”
After retiring from Air Force, Upton forged a successful commercial aviation career. He flew for Braniff International Airlines and American Airlines and later for Paradigm Air, where he piloted charters for professional sports teams.
Over his 56-year aviation career, he accumulated over 18,000 flight hours and earned type ratings for numerous aircraft, including the B-707/720, B-727, B-757/767, and B-777.
Upton, the Raleigh-Wake squadron’s operations officer, has remained committed to inspiring the next generation of aviators. His advice to CAP cadets aspiring to fly is clear: “Keep your eye on the prize. Learn everything you can about aviation, find a mentor, and systematically pursue your goals.
“Passion for flight is the key to success.”_____2nd Lt. Miguel JacksonPublic Affairs OfficerRaleigh-Wake Composite SquadronNorth Carolina Wing
