An area leader in the aviation industry received the highest award for pilots from the Federal Aviation Administration Saturday.

The late Daniel "Pappy" Ramsey was awarded the Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" award.

The late Daniel Ramsey and his brother James, spearheaded the birth of aviation in the Mid-Ohio Valley with their company Rambar Aviation.

"He was always involved in it. He had air shows in Belpre," said his granddaughter, Kristi Francisco.

His vintage aircraft were in many airport airshows and the Stearman displays in Belpre in the 1990s.

He had been flying aircraft for nearly 60 years when he passed away in June 2006.

Family said he made a safe landing of an airplane that week but died from injuries he suffered after getting out of the plane and falling off an embankment. He was unable to keep the plane on the runway because of a blockage in his leg.

"And when he died, he did so from injuries he received from doing the very thing that made him the happiest," said Francisco.

Aviation was his passion and Saturday his granddaughter Kristi Francisco accepted the Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" award on his behalf.

"It's the highest award the FAA gives out to pilots," said Brad Wood of FAA Aviation Safety.

The honor is awarded to those who fly safely for fifty years or more. He did this and more. He wanted everyone else to try it too.

"He would take old WWII veterans up and let them fly it and he loved to watch them cry when they'd get out from all the memories," said Francisco.

The impact he made on many was shown in the number of family and friends who gathered for the ceremony and now fly at air shows in his honor.

"We take the Gullwing and do it in honor of him and try to keep what he built alive," said Jerry Harman, who rides in the Stinson Gullwing that belonged to Dan.

Two of his other aircraft are used to give lessons at the Jackson County Airport.

"My grandfather lived his entire life with a love for speed. He even met my grandmother on roller skates!" said Francisco.

He also taught Kristi a love of flying airplanes.

"I've passed it along to my son. He loves airplanes and his room's all done in airplanes. So the flying of airplanes has definitely stayed in the family," she said.

Few qualify for this award which honors pilots who've flown aircraft safely for fifty years or more.

In addition, Dan also spearheaded construction of the present day Mid- Ohio Valley Regional Airport.