House Resolution 134

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING BENNIE CHARLES KIRK UPON BEING AWARDED THE WRIGHT BROTHERS MASTER PILOT AWARD.

WHEREAS, Bennie Charles Kirk of Louisville, Mississippi, was awarded the illustrious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award by the Federal Aviation Administration because he has followed the precaution and awareness of safe flight operations for 50 years; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Aviation Administration presents this award, which was originally issued in 2003, to recognize attentive and alert pilots such as Mr. Kirk who have contributed and maintained safe flight operations for 50 or more consecutive years of piloting aircraft; and

WHEREAS, consumed with an urge to fly and glide above the majestic clouds, chasing the dusk, Mr. Kirk realized his dream when he took his first solo flight on March 17, 1964, in the Cessna 172 N7991B at the Louisville-Winston County Airport; and

WHEREAS, when the Federal Aviation Administration presented the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to Mr. Kirk, who currently holds a commercial with instrument pilot certificate, they not only recognized the safeguards he observes during each flight, but they also commended his professionalism, skill and aviation expertise; and

WHEREAS, while Mr. Kirk has been involved in two plane crashes, both were the result of forces outside of his control, and by following safe emergency procedures, he was able to land the planes with no physical injuries, a true testament of his aptitude and concentration; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend fine Mississippians such as Mr. Bennie Charles Kirk, whose dedication and competence has earned him the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Bennie Charles Kirk upon being awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and extend to him our most sincere wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Bennie Charles Kirk and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.