Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for Fifty Years of Dedicated Service in Aviation Safety
February 2026
Tim Linn’s aviation story began in the late 1940s and ’50s, as he watched his uncle, Chet Hale, fly Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter Tankers that refueled the Boeing B-50 Super Fortress and B-47 Stratojet over the Linn Farm in Jamestown, North Dakota. On March 3, 1974, Tim Linn took his first training flight from Gallatin Field in Bozeman with the MSU Flying Bobcats flying club in N7407R, a Piper PA 28-140. That was 52 years ago!
That first flight was followed by many certificates and adventures including a private pilot certificate on October 18, 1975, a commercial pilot certificate on July 16, 1977, an instrument rating on March 26, 1978, and a multi-engine rating on April 12, 1980. Over the years, Tim was able to do a variety of flying including work with Flight Line Incorporated flying bank securities throughout Montana, Casper, Wyoming, and Denver, Colorado in a Cessna 310 and 340, in addition to flying their Cessna 172, 172RG, and 177RG. Tim also flew the company Cessna 172 for Bozeman Sand and Gravel, as well as flew a Piper Arrow for construction work with White-McNeil and Martel Construction.
Tim volunteered as a search and rescue pilot in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho flying in marginal weather in a Cessna 305 Birddog and Cessna 182 Skylane. He also did winter ski flying in a Piper PA-11 Cub. He is an active member of the Montana Antique Airplane Association and has flown throughout the northwest, central states, Alberta, and British Columbia on their annual air tours.
When you fly for 52 years there are many highlights and for Tim these include a Piper PA-18 trip to Alaska and back, seeing the Spruce Goose, as well as visiting other aviation museums across the northwest. He also enjoys the annual Round Engine Round Up. One of Tim’s favorite adventures was flying in the jump seat of the Navy’s C-130F on skis into the South Pole Station Antarctica.
A noteworthy mention to Tim’s varied flying adventures is that he managed to complete the restoration of a Stearman after 36 years and 10 days. Just like his 52-year flying career, good things take time. There were no discrepancies!
With 2,633.5 flight hours logged, Tim still actively flies and is always looking for his next great flying adventure with friends!