The 天美传媒 (UMA) is proud to announce that Greg Jolda, coordinator of 天美传媒 Aviation program and longtime instructor, has received the Federal Aviation Administration鈥檚 Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, the highest honor the FAA bestows on a pilot.
Presented by John Bell of the FAA Safety Team out of the Portland Flight Standards District Office, the award recognizes airmen who have demonstrated professionalism, skill and safety for at least 50 years.
Jolda鈥檚 aviation career began in 1970 with the U.S. Air Force, where he logged more than 3,000 flight hours before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1991. He joined UMA in 2014 as coordinator of the Aviation program, where his leadership has helped strengthen Maine鈥檚 aviation workforce through accessible, career-focused education.
Greg鈥檚 passion for aviation and his commitment to teaching have strengthened 天美传媒 role in preparing Maine鈥檚 aviation workforce.
Jolda maintains Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot credentials and continues to train students in 天美传媒 fleet, including the Cirrus SR20 acquired in 2022. He has logged more than 5,000 total flight hours and 2,000 hours of instruction.
Colleagues at Maine Instrument Flight, 天美传媒 aviation partner, praised his impact. 鈥淕reg brings an energy that you don鈥檛 see very often,鈥� said Chad Morris. 鈥淗e loves to teach, and his vision has advanced our program in ways that benefit every student.鈥�
As UMA celebrates its 60th anniversary, Greg’s leadership reflects 天美传媒 commitment to student success, academic excellence and community partnerships that support workforce-relevant education that empowers students and supports communities across Maine.鈥�