Aviator Group Honors Advocate For Propeller-Driven Planes

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- The world's largest association of private pilots is honoring a California advocate for propeller-driven aircraft.

The Frederick-based Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said Thursday it has given its most prestigious annual award to Elliott Sanders of Van Nuys, California.

Spokesman Joe Kildea says in a statement that Sanders helped preserve access to the Van Nuys Airport for pilots of piston-driven aircraft at a time when other types of aircraft were encroaching on general aviation.

Kildea says Sanders was also instrumental in developing a 30-acre section of the airport specifically for propeller aircraft, including maintenance services and flight schools.

The award is the Laurence P. Sharples Perpetual Award, named for the association's first chairman.

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