Douglas A. Decker Receives Wright Brothers Master Pilots Award

The Federal Aviation Administration presented Douglas A. Decker, Pawleys Island, SC, Thursday with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in recognition of 50 years of safe flying and his contribution to aviation safety. In addition to the plaque, Decker’s name will be added to the FAA’s Roll of Honor in Washington DC.

The award was presented at the South Carolina Aviation Association Annual Conference in Charleston SC, by FAA’s Mr. Gary M. Pendleton and Ms. Marjorie Jake both representing the Flight Standards District Office, Columbia, SC.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots. This award is named after the aviation pioneer Wright Brothers. It recognizes individuals who have exhibited professionalism, skill and aviation expertise for at least 50 years while piloting aircraft as Master Pilots.

Decker started his aviation activity in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1964 and currently holds an Airline Transport pilot’s license. He owns a single engine A-36 Beechcraft Bonanza airplane, which he flies from the Grand Strand area.’

Decker has served in many aviation positions including Commissioner on the Utah State Aeronautics Board, member of Salt Lake City International Airport Advisory Board, and member of the Capital Improvements Committee, General Mitchell Milwaukee International Airport. In addition he was appointed a member of the State of Wisconsin Aviation Master Plan Task Force.

Decker spearheaded the successful effort to open the Wendover AFB, Utah for public use in 1974.  The city renamed the airport “DECKER FIELD” and he also received the Utah Pilot’s award for Outstanding Service to Aviation in Utah.

Decker is active in Angel and Mercy Flights as well as the EAA’s Young Eagle program and a member of the South Carolina Aviation Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association – AOPA, Experimental Aviation Association- EAA and American Bonanza Society – ABS.

He is a registered licensed professional engineer in California and Wisconsin, and member of the National Society of Professional Engineers. He is co-author of the book “Policy Evolution: Energy Conservation to Energy Efficiency”, The Fairmount Press Inc., 1997.

Decker is a graduate of the University of Denver with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and Engineering. Decker started a 43 year career with Johnson Controls Inc., a Fortune 100 company, rising to the position of Vice President, Government Business, before retiring in 2001. He has testified before the United States Congress six times on engineering and technical issues including aviation policy and presented testimony before the South Carolina TRAC Commissions, and the South Carolina Senate Transportation Sub-committee. Mr. Decker was appointed to the NESA (North East Strategic Alliance) International airport board in 2008.

Decker has received a number of awards for his leadership was inducted into the Association of Energy Engineers Hall of Fame in 2001 and Energy Efficiency Forum Hall of Fame in 2009. The Energy Efficiency Forum has established the Douglas Decker Lifetime Achievement in honor of his many contributions to energy efficiency. The award is presented annually.

 

 

 

 

 

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