Capt. Thomas “Digger” Dawes is seen on Chautauqua Lake alongside his dog, Ida, in 2025. Dawes is scheduled to receive the esteemed Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Sunday at noon, in recognition of his more than 50 years of flying and safely commanding aircraft. Submitted photo

BEMUS POINT – Commanding aircraft and flying the friendly skies is something Bemus Point Native and Capt. Thomas “Digger” Dawes has been doing it for a long time.

Soaring through the azure expanse of the sky, Capt. Dawes has spent countless hours in command of aircraft, mastering the art of flight with unparalleled skill and dedication. His passion for navigating the friendly skies is woven into his very being, as he expertly maneuvers through the clouds, embodying the spirit of adventure and exploration that defines a seasoned aviator.

Dawes has maintained an impeccable safety record throughout his extensive flying career, which spans more than 50 years. In recognition of his achievement, the Federal Aviation Administration will honor him with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The award ceremony is scheduled for noon on Sunday at Dart Field Airport, 6167 Plank Rd, Mayville.

According to Bemus Point Mayor Jeff Molnar, “Dawes, A long-time village resident, has a long history of being a pilot, beginning when he joined the Air Force and flew a multitude of missions into the jungles of Vietnam, hauling in much-needed supplies and evacuating injured soldiers while under enemy fire.

Upon his return from the service, he began his commercial flying experience right here at the Chautauqua County Airport, flying small commuters for Chautauqua Airlines and others, eventually spending most of his time flying overseas routes for Continental Airlines. At home, he always maintained smaller prop-type planes, like the Aeronca Champ, at the Dart Field airport. He has been a regular there, flying locally around the county, to Rochester, fly-in breakfasts and meets, and beyond. Tom has always been one to share his love of flying with others, inviting all takers up for scenic rides. He passed that passion to his son Josh, also a Bemus Point resident, who flies professionally as a pilot for JetBlue.”

Molnar seemed eager to shower even more praise on the soon-to-be award-winning pilot, anticipating the recognition that awaits him.

The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award is named in honor of Orville and Wilbur Wright, who were two American aviation pioneers credited with inventing, building, and flying the world’s first successful motor-operated airplane. The Wright Brothers made the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft with the Wright Flyer on December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

To be eligible for the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, nominees must meet the following criteria hold a U.S. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificate; have 50 or more years of civil and military piloting experience or 50 or more years combined experience in both piloting and aircraft operations; up to 20 years of the required 50 years may be U.S. army experience; the effective start date for the 50 years is the date of the nominee’s first solo flight or military equivalent; the 50 years may be computed consecutively or non-consecutively; must be a U.S. citizen and have not had any airman certificates revoked.

“Tom is one of those guys who has given much to a lot of us. He is generally a quiet guy who shuns recognition. His contributions to his country, his family, and his community are certainly notable. I’m elated that he is receiving this award. Fifty years is a lot of flying,” Molnar said.