The Federal Aviation Administration presented one of the most exclusive honors in American aviation to a Nebraska pilot with deep ties to Civil Air Patrol. On Dec. 1, former Nebraska Wing commander Col. Darrell Nelson received the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, a distinction earned by fewer than 1 percent of pilots in the United States.
Nelson, a former Nebraska Wing commander, proudly displays his awards for 50 years of safe flying. Today, he serves as the wing’s director of operations, where he remains active in mentoring pilots and supporting mission readiness.
The FAA established the Master Pilot Award to recognize aviators who have demonstrated 50 years of safe flight operations, professional skill, and consistent adherence to national safety standards. Recipients are entered into the FAA’s permanent Roll of Honor in Washington, D.C. The award is considered the highest civilian recognition the FAA presents to a pilot.
Members of Civil Air Patrol’s Capitol City Senior Squadron joined in recognizing Nelson after the FAA confirmed his selection. The presentation included the FAA’s blue ribbon and commemorative pin, delivered by Lt. Col. Mike Eisenhauer, a longtime friend and fellow Civil Air Patrol pilot who submitted the nomination.
Eisenhauer praised Nelson’s record, emphasizing safety and professionalism developed over decades of flying.
“I have flown with him a lot over the last 20 years, and I have never been afraid to go up with him,” Eisenhauer said. “Darrell represents 50 years of flying experience and aircraft operations.”
Nelson’s aviation journey began at Purdue University, where he soloed in a fixed-gear, single-engine PA-28-140 on Oct. 29, 1969. He advanced through the full progression of pilot certifications, earning private, commercial, instrument, and instructor ratings. Over the years, he has accumulated approximately 2,000 flight hours across a lifetime of safe flying.
The FAA requires several criteria for the Master Pilot Award, including 50 years of accident-free U.S. flight operations dating back to a pilot’s first solo, an unblemished record, and endorsement letters from fellow FAA-certificated pilots. Recipients are confirmed only after a thorough review process conducted by FAA safety officials.
Within Civil Air Patrol, Nelson served as Nebraska Wing commander from 2014 to 2018 and currently serves as director of operations for the wing. His work supports pilot development, mission readiness, and flight safety processes that follow FAA standards. He continues to mentor new and experienced aviators who volunteer with Civil Air Patrol.
Outside the cockpit, Nelson has had a distinguished academic career. He is an emeritus professor of agronomy and horticulture and an emeritus dean and director of the Agricultural Research Division at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Reflecting on the honor, Nelson remarked, “To get this award, you need to be old, not bold.”
How to Support Community Service Through Civil Air Patrol
Community service comes in many forms, and Civil Air Patrol offers opportunities for people who want to make a direct difference in the lives of others. Volunteers can serve in search and rescue, disaster relief, logistics, communications, aviation support, and youth mentorship. Every member helps strengthen community readiness, whether flying missions, supporting ground teams, or assisting families during emergencies. Prior flight experience is not required, and all aviation training follows FAA safety practices. Information on joining is available at gocivilairpatrol.com or through any local Civil Air Patrol squadron.
Nelson’s recognition reflects the FAA’s unwavering commitment to aviation safety and also highlights Civil Air Patrol’s support for training programs guided by FAA standards. His award stands as a reminder of the professionalism, discipline, and dedication required to build a lifetime of safe flying.
