The Palomar Airport Association recently presented the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award to three pilots, the organization announced.

The ceremony was held July 10 at The Landings at McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad.

Stu Evans, John Graybill and Rock Swanson received the award, named for aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright. The award, given by the Federal Aviation Administration, recognizes a minimum of 50 years of U.S. piloting experience since the date of a first solo flight, according to a Palomar Airport Association announcement. Eligible pilots are also recognized for their skill, professionalism and aviation expertise.

Evans, Graybill and Swanson have been friends since their time at Aviation High School in Redondo Beach, the association said in its announcement. Evans began as a Naval cadet in 1963, while Swanson and Graybill began flying at Torrance Airport in 1960.

“With 54 years of flying under my belt, it was a great honor to receive this award, and the experience was heightened enormously by being able to share the evening with two of my lifelong friends and fellow recipients,” Swanson said in the announcement.

“It’s exciting to see all the work my fellow pilots have endured over a lifetime. Always amazing,” Nelson said.

The nonprofit Palomar Airport Association is a general-interest, public-benefit community group for pilots and non-pilots at Palomar-McClellan Airport. More information online: www.palomarairportassociation.com.