Ray Spengler of Longview has been named the 2016 Southwestern U.S. Regional Flight Instructor of the Year by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Spengler owns and operates Skypark Aviation at the East Texas Regional Airport, where he offers flight training.
He is lead representative for the Northeast Texas FAA Safety Team and provides designated pilot examiner services.
Spengler has been a member of numerous aviation organizations throughout his 17-year aviation career, serving as a corporate pilot and owning and managing flight schools. He also has served on various aviation-related boards, including two years as a former national board member of the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators.
Spengler is one of 30 instructors worldwide — and the only one in Texas — to hold a five-time Master Flight Instructor and Master Ground Instructor award.
In addition, Spengler is a member of Longview-Greggton Rotary Club, the Civil Air Patrol and the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association.
He will be recognized at 11:30 p.m. Friday at Skypark Aviation’s office, 325 Corporate Road at the East Texas Regional Airport, during a special ceremony held by the Longview Chamber of Commerce.
The FAA recognizes aviation professionals through the General Aviation Awards program.
“These awards highlight the important role played by these individuals in promoting aviation education and flight safety,” said awards Chairman Arlynn McMahon.
https://www.news-journal.com/news/2016/sep/10/longview-flight-instructor-earns-regional-faa-hono/