Pilot's last flight

By Alicia Noragon ROSCOMMON COUNTY-

On

Sat. June 17, Carl Doherty flew into Blodgett airport in Roscommon for the last time.

Carl has been a pilot since 1964. He was an army helicopter pilot in Vietnam and served a second tour for fixed wing aircraft in Vietnam. His career in aviation continued after Vietnam in Dayton, OH where he worked for the Berry family and flew all over the world. He loved his job and he loves flying. He is now a resident of Higgins Lake.

With over 20,000 flight hours in his career, and without any incidents, he is applying for The Master Pilot award through the Federal Aviation Administration. You must have 50 or more years of civil and military pilot experience to qualify. He is a licensed helicopter pilot, airplane pilot, sea plane pilot, flight instructor, and a licensed aircraft mechanic.

The family surprised Carl with The Markey Township fire department spraying the aircraft with water as Carl pulled into the airport. The “water salute” is a tradition in aviation for the last flight.

A shocked Carl embraced his family and friends with happy tears as he departed his aircraft for the last time.

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