Jarecki earns Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
courtesy photo
Chuck Jarecki, right, accepts the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from Dan Prill.
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POLSON — The Federal Aviation Administration honored local pilot Chuck Jarecki with its prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award recently at a gathering near West Glacier June 29.
A long-time Polson resident, Jarecki was recognized for his 50-plus years of dedicated service to aviation safety, and was presented a plaque by Dan Prill, who serves with Jarecki on a national non-profit aviation preservation foundation.
Jeff Vercoe of the FAA’s Helena Flight Standards office in Helena attended the ceremony, and described the honor, saying, “Mr. Jarecki is to be commended for his contribution to the safest aviation system in the world by practicing and promoting safe aircraft operations for 50 consecutive years.”
Jarecki began flying as soon as he was legally able, in his home state of Pennsylvania. His passion for flight continued throughout college and followed him to his adopted state of Montana in 1960.
Jarecki has volunteered countless hours and travel to further safe aviation by serving on the Montana Pilots Association board. He is a founding director of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, and frequently puts in full days of physical effort to maintain airstrips. He regularly volunteers to fly children for the EAA’s popular Young Eagles program at all three Lake County airports.
Chuck’s wife Penny enthusiastically supports his efforts and gives of her own time and energy each year at Polson’s annual Fly-In.
