Ed Vesely receives Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award

Edward Vesely, senior director of sales for Welsch Aviation in Houston since 1998, was awarded the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot award on June 25 by the FAA.

The award is presented to pilots nominated by their peers with 50 years or more of aviation safety accomplishments and contributions to the aviation community as a whole.

Vesely heads up the Welsch Aviation Houston location. Beginning as a sales demonstration pilot for Mitsubishi Aircraft in 1980, he has been involved in the sale and acquisition of executive aircraft for more than 40 years.

Bringing a unique blend of experience to the company, he is an airline transport-licensed pilot with a B.S. degree in business and economics. As a former certified investment advisor and aircraft manufacturer rep, Vesely is as comfortable in the cockpit as he is in the boardroom.

He obtained a private pilot’s license at age 17, commercial at 18, CFI at 21 and ATR by age 23. He has accumulated over 7,000 hours of flying and holds numerous type ratings. Additionally, Vesely is a certified airframe and power plant (A&P) mechanic.

He continues to be involved in general aviation as the owner of a 1940 Piper J-3 Cub, which he fully restored with his father at the age of 16, and a Beech Bonanza. As well as being pleasure craft and business tools, both aircraft also serve to benefit several charitable organizations.

The J-3 Cub provides rides for the Young Eagles mentor program sponsored by the EAA, and the Bonanza flies missions for Angel Flight and Air Life Line, transporting terminally ill patients to get medical treatment. As a member of the Commemorative Air Force and volunteer pilot for the T-6, BT-13, PT-19 and the world’s only flying Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, Vesely helps bring to life World War II’s valuable historical lessons.

He is an active member of the following organizations: NBAA, Professional Aircraft Maintenance Association, AOPA, EAA, Antique Aircraft Association, Cub Club, Commemorative Air Force, American Bonanza Society and Quiet Birdmen. Additionally, he is a volunteer board member of Southwest Charter Schools