The FAA has made it official: Pete Gillies is a Master Pilot. The agency recently recognized Gillies with its Wright Brothers Master Pilot award, which honors those who have exhibited professionalism, skill, and aviation expertise for at least 50 years.
The former Western Aircraft chief pilot had amassed more than 18,000 hours in helicopters during a career that traced its beginnings back to the late 1960s. Gillies joined Western Aircraft in 1972, and the company said he was key to the team since.
He developed a reputation for his strong flight training skills and was recognized by Helicopter Association International as flight instructor of the year. He also is revered as a safety expert, presenting at safety seminars on topics such as autorotations. He retired in early 2016, but Gillies remains involved in the helicopter community, sought after as a guest speaker at events for airborne law enforcers, professional helicopter pilots, and the industry in general.