Escaping our Earthly Bounds

Kimberlee Thomas

In mid-June of 1940, the world welcomed future Master Pilot, Charles Evans. While his little feet kept him planted solidly on the ground, his young heart soared in the skies above. “My mother would often tell that as a young boy, I would run in the yard with my arms outstretched and making airplane sounds.”

Charles has been interested in aviation for as long as he can remember.

He was born and raised in Heber Springs, “I graduated from Heber Springs High School in 1958 and went on to study engineering at the University of Arkansas where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1964.”

Charles’ brother worked as an aircraft mechanic at the Heber Springs airport and Charles began to spend time with him there. In 1970, at the age of 30, Charles started his flight training. “I trained at the Heber Springs airport in a 1968 Cessna 150, N50171 and earned my private pilot’s license in 1972.” He continued flight training over the next several years and earned a commercial pilot’s license, a certified flight instructor’s rating, an instrument rating, and a multi engine rating. Charles shared, “I’ll always consider my first solo flight a mountain top experience. A bit scary but very exciting.”

Once becoming a flight instructor Charles instructed many on their way to becoming private pilots. Most of this training was done in the 1968 Cessna 150, N50171. Charles noted, “Instruction has been my passion.”

Over the years Charles has owned three airplanes; a Cherokee Six, a RV6 which he built, and the aforementioned N50171, which he currently owns. Charles began the RV6 project in 2000. When he retired from his engineering career in 2004 he filled his time over the next two years completing the RV6, “I flew it for the first time in 2006. I sold it in 2018 after flying it for over 600 fun filled hours.” Most of his flying has been single engine piston powered with some multi engine and a little single engine turboprop.

In 2010 the City of Heber Springs asked Charles to manage the Heber Springs airport. Charles shared, “I’m still working in that role and enjoy it immensely.” He and his wife, Pamela, enjoy living in Heber Springs. Together they have six children, eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Recently Charles was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is the most prestigious award the FAA issues to pilots certified under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This award, named after the Wright Brothers, is to recognize individuals who have exhibited exemplary aviation expertise, distinguished professionalism, and steadfast commitment for at least 50 years of piloting experience or 50 or more years combined experience in both piloting and aircraft operations. Once the award has been issued, the recipient’s name, city and state will be added to a published “Roll of Honor” located at https://www.faasafety. gov/content/MasterPilot/RecipientList.aspx . Charles stated, “I thank all those who worked on my behalf for this honor.”

In conclusion Charles shared, “It’s been said that flying allows us to escape our earthly bounds and enjoy the freedom to go most anywhere any time. This is what I enjoy most about flying.”

Charles Evans was honored by the FAA for his 50 years of exemplary aviation flight experience and commitment to aviation safety when they awarded him The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.

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First Electric Cooperative is now accepting applications for the 2023 Youth Tour!

Apply online or download an application at https://www. firstelectric.coop/youth-tour . Applicants must be high school juniors during the 2022-2023 school year, and their parents or guardians must be First Electric members. Deadline to apply is March 31.

High School FBLA students attended the District V Spring ConferenceLeadership in Conway on January 30th. Congratulations to the following students for qualifying for the State Leadership Conference in their competitions:

Miah Tharp - 1st PlaceElectronic Career Portfolio.

Merrick Luibel - 1st PlaceIntroduction to Information Technology.

Ricky Leal - 2nd PlaceIntroduction to Financial Math.

Sam Gilley - 5th PlaceJob Interview.

Jessica Trejo - 6th PlaceAccounting. I

Lindsey Cox - 6th PlaceIntroduction to Business Concepts.

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