COLORADO- The FAA honoured 93-year-old Alfred Uhalt with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award in May 2025, recognising his extraordinary 77-year aviation career spanning military combat and civilian operations. His record includes over 18,000 flight hours across 38 military aircraft and 4,000 Vietnam combat hours.
The Colorado Springs Air Force veteran earned the Silver Star for saving Army Rangers during a Viet Cong ambush. He commanded Peterson Air Force Base’s 46th Aerospace Defence Wing before retiring as a colonel in 1979.
Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to Alfred Uhalt; Photo- The Gazette (X); Compiled by Aviation A2ZColorado Air Force Veteran
Alfred Uhalt’s aviation journey began remarkably early, obtaining his glider’s license on his 14th birthday. Two years later, he earned his private pilot’s license at age 16, soloing in a Piper Cub on his birthday.
Weeks after securing his pilot’s license, Uhalt pedalled a bicycle to the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain his driver’s license. This shows his aviation priorities over traditional teenage pursuits.
Military Career
Uhalt enlisted in the Air Force Reserve after turning 27, graduating with distinction from Air Force flight training in 1953 as a commissioned 2nd Lieutenant. His 27-year military career encompassed extensive combat operations during the Vietnam War, where he demonstrated exceptional courage under fire.
The Air Force provided Uhalt with experience across 38 different military aircraft platforms, accumulating extraordinary flight hours through consistent operational involvement.
Alfred Uhalt, 93, was flying planes before he could legally drive. Not long after he turned 27, Uhlt enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and began a 27-year military career that included a Silver Star for saving a platoon of Army Rangers from a Viet Cong ambush.…
— Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) May 23, 2025
Post-Military Aviation
Following his 1979 military retirement, Uhalt remained actively involved in civilian aviation, demonstrating a willingness to fly “anywhere, for any reason”, according to former Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers.
His community service included supporting law enforcement operations, notably transporting serial killer Ottis Poole from Florida to Colorado Springs for police questioning before returning him.
This commitment exemplified Uhalt’s continued dedication to aviation service within the community beyond his military obligations.
FAA Headquarters; Photo- MBisanz; Wikimedia CommonsFAA Recognition
FAA official John Childers presented Uhalt with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, which recognises aviators maintaining 50 or more consecutive years of safe flight operations.
The award ceremony brought together military colleagues, community leaders, and aviation enthusiasts to celebrate his nearly eight-decade aviation career.
Space Force Colonel Kenneth Klock attended the ceremony, acknowledging that leaders like Uhalt built a legacy of excellence that continues today.
At 93 years old, Uhalt maintains an active flying status, regularly piloting various aircraft, including Piper Cubs, Learjets, and several Cessna models. He describes flying as providing freedom and unique perspectives of the American landscape from above.
Despite receiving prestigious recognition, Uhalt maintains humility about his achievements, stating he was simply pursuing his lifelong passion for aviation.
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