Hendricks Edgerton, DPS NSLI, Receives Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
On June 27, 2024, FAA Safety Inspector Jim Chaney presented eleven FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot awards at the Commemorative Air Force (AF) hanger in Peachtree City. Among the recipients were former DPS instructors Captains Tim Morris and Bob Walden and current DPS instructor Captain Hendricks Edgerton.
The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is a prestigious recognition given to individuals who have shown professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years. It requires recipients to hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificate and have actively contributed to the field throughout their illustrious careers.
Captain Edgerton first soloed in a Cessna 150 in 1968 when he was 17 years old. He earned his Private Pilot certificate in 1972 through the AF ROTC program at NC State University. During his active duty service in the AF, he instructed in the T-38, a supersonic trainer, and the C-141, a heavy lift, long range cargo aircraft.
Upon separation from the AF, he joined Delta in 1980 as a B-727 Second Officer. Following SO and FO duties he upgraded to Captain in 1992. He flew Captain on the B-727, B-737NG, B-757, B-767 and retired in 2015 flying the B-777.
After retirement he was recruited by Delta Global Services (DGS0, the company that became Delta Professional Services (DPS) in 2019, to aid with the writing and FAA approval of the Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program, ATP-CTP. He still teaches ATP-CTP students academics and in the B-737 Max simulator.
“Of the 50 years of safe flying required for the Master Aviator award, 35 years were flown with Delta,” said Edgerton. “The culture and wonderful people who supported my Delta flying, to include the FAs, OCC team and maintenance, provided a safe and enjoyable flight experience every flight. Without their support I could not have flown the many years to qualify for the MA award. May I add that post-retirement Marc Lippens and the DPS team have provided me the wonderful opportunity to continue my involvement in aviation by instructing in the ATP-CTP. Thank you!”
He still flies his personal Van’s RV-7A, a two place, aerobatic aircraft. Though long past aerobatic sports, he and his wife, Iris mostly use the aircraft for luncheon trips and to visit friends.
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