On November 13, 2025, Delta Professional Services (DPS) leadership, honorees, their families, friends, and colleagues came together at the newly renovated Delta Flight Museum to celebrate a milestone in aviation excellence.

For the third consecutive year, DPS hosted its Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award Ceremony, honoring 18 of our colleagues whose careers reflect a lifetime of safe flight, professionalism, and mentorship. This was the first time the event took place in the museum’s refreshed space, a venue that perfectly captures the spirit of aviation history and innovation.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the Federal Aviation Administration’s highest honor for pilots, recognizing individuals who have achieved 50 or more years of safe flight operations. It is not simply a measure of time, it represents decades of judgment, technical mastery, and leadership. Alongside this distinction, the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award honors those who have dedicated 50 years to aircraft maintenance, named for the mechanic who kept the Wright Brothers’ aircraft flying.

The evening began with remarks from DPS President Marc Lippens, who thanked everyone for attending and emphasized the importance of this achievement. He expressed his appreciation for the honorees, noting that their hard work and dedication over decades are the reason DPS is what it is today. Senior Vice President Captain Robert Skinner followed by explaining the history of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and highlighting what a remarkable milestone this represents. He also expressed his gratitude to each honoree for their commitment to aviation and to DPS. Veterans in attendance were recognized for their service, reminding everyone that the foundation of aviation excellence is built on discipline and sacrifice.

DPS is grateful for the careers of these 18 exceptional aviators, measured not only in hours and type ratings but in the values that define aviation: safety, mentorship, and integrity. These honorees have shaped the skies and the generations that follow them. By celebrating their achievements, DPS honors the past while investing in the future, ensuring that the lessons learned over decades continue to guide the next era of flight.

Meet the Honorees

Michael Baier

First Solo: Feb 4, 1973 (Cessna 150, Shaw AFB)
Accolades: APA Safety Excellence Award (2015), Alpha Eta Rho member
Type Ratings: S-330, B-737, Fk-100, A-320, E-170/190
Quote: “Michael’s professionalism and character have been an example to all.”

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Steven C. Billings

First Solo: Jul 21, 1972 (Cessna 150, Kansas City)
Accolades: Senior Manager of Standards & Training at Sun Country Airlines
Type Ratings: A330, A320, B727, B737, B747, B757, B767, DC-3
Quote: “I have known Steven for 44 years and [he] has always operated in a safe and professional manner… He is of good moral character and an outstanding individual respected in the aviation community.” – Thomas P. White

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Gerard “Jerry” Brillant

First Solo: Sep 19, 1975 (Beech Sport B-19)
Accolades: Delta Chairman’s Club recipient, led Project APU, key role in 9/11 recovery
Type Ratings: Multiple (B727, MD88, MD11, L1011, B767ER)
Quote: “Jerry’s professionalism and character have been an example to all. He personifies the very qualities highlighted in the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.” – William R. Davis

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William D. “Bill” Burns

First Solo: Jan 22, 1973 (Cessna 150)
Accolades: Vietnam-era veteran, developed AQP training programs, FAA Designee
Type Ratings: Multiple (Boeing fleets)
Quote: “Bill’s developments of training programs, mentoring as a Captain, and guidance as a Check Airman have touched tens of thousands of pilots. He is well known for the care he shows for everyone he knows… a mentor to many… a champion of standardization… and no one is more deserving of this award than Bill.” – Christopher Broom, Vice President of Commercial Training Solutions at Boeing

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Michael J. Charles

First Solo: Feb 7, 1973 (T-34B Mentor)
Accolades: Naval Aviator, APD and Training Center Evaluator
Type Ratings: B737, B757, B767, B777, DC-9
Quote: “Mike is an exceptional professional… His advice is sought by all who work with him.” – Captain James Leonard

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Phillip J. Combest

First Solo: Apr 14, 1975 (Cessna 150)
Accolades: Top Gun graduate, Top Instructor Award, Battle “E” Awards
Type Ratings: B727, DC-10, B757, B747-200/400, A330, A350
Quote: “Phil distinguished himself throughout his Navy career and continued that excellence as an airline pilot. His maturity and superb flight discipline separate him from his peers.” – Lt. Col. Michael C. Roy

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Frank W. Delahanty

First Solo: Sep 29, 1975 (Cessna 150)
Accolades: Marine Corps Aviator, Weapons Tactics Instructor, APD
Type Ratings: 737 and others
Quote: “Frank’s professionalism, humor, and dedication to aviation safety were unmatched.” – FAA Inspector Marlan Perhus

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John G. DuBarry

First Solo: Jan 27, 1975 (American Champion Citabria)
Accolades: Mentor to countless pilots, Flight Engineer
Type Ratings: Airbus 320 and others
Quote: “He is without a doubt one of the most capable and skilled aviators I have ever known. John has had an exemplary aviation career that spans over 40 years and has been a mentor for me for most of my 25 year career.” – Captain Levi White

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Alan F. Estis

First Solo: Oct 5, 1971 (Cessna 150)
Accolades: USAF veteran, American Airlines Chairman’s Award (2017)
Type Ratings: A310, B757, B767, B777, B787
Quote: “Alan was at the top of my go-to list for missions requiring extra care… His magnetic personality sets others at ease and fosters deep learning. He received the Chairman’s Award in 2017—American Airlines’ highest honor.” – Tom Murray

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Philip A. Johnson Jr.

First Solo: Jan 12, 1973 (Piper PA28-140)
Accolades: 24,000+ hours across 53 aircraft types
Type Ratings: A320 and others
Quote: “I have known Philip for over 5 years and highly recommend him for the award. He operates with professionalism and safety in all aspects of flight and instruction. He is respected throughout the airline community.” – Captain Stephen Watts

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Karl E. Krumke

First Solo: Oct 23, 1967 (Cessna 150)
Accolades: FAA Airline Program Designee, global training leader
Type Ratings: B767, B787
Quote: “Karl delivers training at the highest standard—professionally and personally.” – Terry Stice

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John K. Larsh II

First Solo: Apr 2, 1975 (Cessna 150)
Accolades: Navy Flight Instructor of the Year (1985)
Type Ratings: A220 and others
Quote: “I have known Captain Larsh for ten years and highly recommend him for the Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award. I have known him to always operate in a safe and professional manner in both piloting and aircraft operations. He is highly respected in the aviation community.” – Captain Charles Rathbun

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Vincent J. Long Jr.

First Solo: Mar 10, 1970 (USAF T-41)
Accolades: Lt. Colonel, pioneer in CRM training
Type Ratings: A320 and others
Quote: “Vince taught me the crew concept and leadership. He’s a mentor, a friend, and a model aviator.” – Kent Pietsch

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Oran C. Miller

First Solo: Jun 27, 1973 (Cessna 150)
Accolades: Line Check Airman, ATP-CTP instructor
Type Ratings: A320, A330, A350, B727, B747, DC-10, Learjet
Quote: “I have had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Captain Miller for over 43 years. Throughout this time, I have consistently observed his commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellence in all aspects of aviation. He has demonstrated exceptional skill, sound judgment, and a steadfast dedication to operational integrity in all positions.” – Captain Greg Baden

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Richard D. Stark

First Solo: Nov 13, 1970 (Cessna 150)
Accolades: Top Gun graduate, global expert in North Atlantic operations
Type Ratings: Multiple (Delta fleets)
Quote: “Rich is the industry’s pilot expert in North Atlantic operations… He has led projects that brought untold efficiencies and added safety to flight operations worldwide. His talents and reputation are well known around the world having participated in working groups and in other capacities for Delta, the FAA, IATA and ICAO.” – Captain Curt Helling

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Claude E. Timmerman Jr.

First Solo: Mar 19, 1973 (T-34B)
Accolades: Naval Aviator, Commanding Officer in multiple squadrons
Type Ratings: DC-8, DC-10, B737, B757, B767, B777, A320
Quote: “Claude was an excellent P-3 pilot and instructor… He held leadership roles in both the Navy and commercial aviation, always operating with the highest standards. To say that he had an exceptional career in the Navy would be an understatement. He was the XO of VP-66 twice, CO of VP-66, XO of NR CRPWL, CO USFORCES AZORES, CO NR OP09B, and CO NR NAS Keflavik.” – Captain Gary Rishel

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John B. Watson

First Solo: May 17, 1965 (T-34)
Accolades: Delta Lead Line Check Pilot, APD, mentor for five decades
Type Ratings: CV-880, DC-8, DC-9, L-1011, B727, B757, B767, MD-11
Quote: “John exemplifies professionalism, integrity, and mentorship. He’s earned deep trust and admiration from peers across the aviation field.” – Captain Jerry Brillant