master mechanic Louis Nalbone

Published in the Observer Today

After nearly six decades of flying, teaching, and maintaining aircraft, Louis Nalbone will be recognized for a lifetime of contributions to aviation during the 59th Annual Rotary Fly-In Breakfast on Sunday, July 26, at the Chautauqua County-Dunkirk Airport.

Nalbone recently earned two of the Federal Aviation Administration’s highest lifetime achievement honors -- the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award -- an uncommon distinction recognizing more than 50 years of excellence as both a pilot and aircraft mechanic. Throughout his career, Nalbone has trained generations of aviators, served as chief flight instructor and chief pilot, helped grow Dunkirk Aviation Flight School into a respected regional operation, and helped develop the Professional Pilot Degree Program at SUNY Jamestown Community College.

The recognition is especially meaningful at the Chautauqua County/Dunkirk Airport, officially known as John J. Nalbone Sr. Field, honoring Lou’s father, who founded Dunkirk Aviation and helped establish the Nalbone family’s lasting legacy in aviation.

Aviation enthusiasts, families, and breakfast lovers are invited to celebrate Nalbone’s achievements during the 59th Annual Rotary Fly-In Breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at the Chautauqua County-Dunkirk Airport, 3389 Middle Road, Dunkirk.

“The Rotary Fly-In Breakfast has become one of Chautauqua County’s signature summer events, but this year offers something truly special,” said John Machemer, Deputy Director of Public Facilities – Airports. “Lou Nalbone has devoted nearly 60 years to aviation as a pilot, instructor, mechanic, mentor, and business leader. Receiving both the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is an extraordinary accomplishment and a fitting tribute to someone who has helped shape aviation in Chautauqua County for generations. Combined with the arrival of the historic ‘Whiskey 7,’ this year’s event will be one aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss.”

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia, the longtime community tradition draws as many as 1,200 visitors annually and welcomes pilots from across the region for a morning of aviation, history, and family-friendly activities while raising funds to support Rotary’s local service projects.

This year’s featured aircraft is “Whiskey 7,” a historic World War II-era C-47 that served as the lead aircraft in the second wave of Allied planes carrying paratroopers into Normandy during the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the legendary aircraft up close while learning about its important role in one of history’s most significant military operations.

Guests will also have the opportunity to experience aviation firsthand through Discovery Flights offered by the Great Lakes Flight Center. Available for a fee, the introductory flights aboard Cessna 152 and Cessna 172 aircraft provide aspiring pilots and aviation enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to take to the skies alongside a certified flight instructor.

On the ground, local Civil Air Patrol squadrons will provide free flight simulator demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience the controls of an aircraft in a realistic simulator environment while learning more about aviation. Civil Air Patrol cadets from the Dunkirk and Jamestown squadrons will also assist throughout the event by directing aircraft, parking vehicles, and supporting event operations.

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