At age 14, Gregory Zahornacky took control of an airplane for the first time. More than half a century later, the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University faculty member has been honored by the Federal Aviation Administration with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, a distinction afforded to few aviators.

The award recognizes pilots with at least 50 years of experience who have maintained safe aircraft operations during that period, demonstrating their aviation knowledge, skill and commitment to professionalism.

“I was very lucky at a very young age to find something I loved,” said Zahornacky, an assistant professor of Aeronautical Science on the Daytona Beach Campus. “The award recognizes that there are people out there who have spent their lifetime literally in the pursuit of aviation excellence. It's nice to know that I'm considered part of that.”

Zahornacky, who has close to 16,000 hours of flight time, first served as an airline captain with Pennsylvania Airlines and U.S. Airways. During his time on the flight deck, he also chartered celebrities and professional sports teams, safely delivering notables such as Bernadette Peters, Hulk Hogan and Pittsburgh Penguin hockey players to their destinations.

“There were lots of things that I did during my career. I've had a few minor irregularities, but no incidents or accidents. That stands out most,” Zahornacky said.

In 2008, he pivoted from the flight deck to academia, pursuing a Master of Aeronautical Science in Aviation/Aerospace Education and Aviation Aerospace Operations at Embry-Riddle. In 2010, he began to teach at the university.

“It was life-changing,” Zahornacky said of his decision to enter academia. “The opportunities that this university has provided me, I can't even begin to thank them for all they've done.”

Sixteen years later, he is still passionate about instilling his love of flight and his commitment to aviation safety in his students.

“I had great inspiration growing up. My father was a pilot,” Zahornacky said.“If it weren't for the support I had from my parents giving me the opportunity, I may not be where I'm at today. So I constantly ask myself how I can pay it forward to my students.”

One way Zahornacky “pays it forward” is by emphasizing the importance of hands-on skill alongside familiarity with automated flight management systems. “Learn to fly the airplane,” Zahornacky said. “Learn to rely on your skills and abilities, so you know how to get yourself out of trouble.”

Dr. John Robbins, professor and chair of the Aeronautical Science Department, said he has known Zahornacky since they were graduate teaching assistants. 

“His extensive industry knowledge is an invaluable complement to our mission of preparing students for success in an ever-evolving aviation industry," Robbins said. 

As for the next generation of pilots and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award recipients, Zahornacky's best advice is this: “Become a person who is situationally aware of what's going on. Make conscious decisions. And just give yourself that opportunity. Don't be afraid to go after it, because it's going to be something you need to chase. Keep going after it. Just keep going.”