Aviator of the Year Award
The Aviator of the Year Award was created in honor of Lee Robinson, former Mayor of the City of Macon. Lee was an avid supporter of Macon and the local aviation community and an outstanding citizen of Macon-Bibb County. Throughout his life, he exemplified leadership, integrity, a passion for aviation, and love for his community. Lee supported the Macon Downtown Airport, no matter the circumstance, and was instrumental in the recent revitalization of the FBO.
Annually, the Macon-Bibb Aviation Department awards the Lee Robinson Aviator of the Year Award to a local aviator who embodies the same exceptional qualities as Lee.
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2020 Aviator of the Year - Henry Lowe
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Henry Edward Lowe was born September 15, 1951 in Macon, Georgia. He is the son of James Tarver and Anne Hall Lowe. Henry graduated from Lanier High School in Macon, Georgia, and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1973 earning a BBA Degree in Business Administration.
Henry’s father, James Tarver Lowe, was a naval aviator in World War II and served with distinction. Following the war, he founded Lowe Aviation Company in Macon, Georgia in 1946. Lowe Aviation has served as the Fixed Base Operator for the central Georgia area to this day. James Tarver Lowe was enshrined in the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame on May 18, 1996. Henry and his two older brothers, Jim and Tom, spent much of their young years working at Lowe Aviation Company. As adults, Jim and Tom, both licensed pilots, decided on careers in medicine. Henry was destined to dedicate his life to Lowe Aviation Company and general aviation.
Henry soloed at age 17 and later earned a commercial license with flight instructor, multi-engine and instrument ratings. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Henry began working full-time at Lowe Aviation Company. He flew power line patrol, U.S. Forest Service Patrol, and Part 135 Air Taxi Charter. As a flight instructor, Henry taught many new pilots to fly and greatly expanded the number of central Georgians’ involvement in aviation.
Henry became President of Lowe Aviation Company in 1982. Henry is a FAA Certified Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic with Inspection Authorization. Under his leadership, Lowe Aviation became a Part 145 FAA Certified Repair Station working on aircraft, instruments and auto-pilots. Henry held an instrument repairman certificate. He also created an STC to modify Beechcraft instrument systems. As an aircraft broker, Henry has sold numerous airplanes to customers in nearly every state in the U.S.
Henry Edward Lowe has devoted his life and career to promoting and expanding general aviation in Macon, throughout Georgia and across the U.S. His extraordinary efforts and achievements were greatly supported and assisted by his loving wife Merrie. Henry is grooming his son Edward to succeed him at Lowe Aviation Company and is encouraging Edward to carry on the Lowe legacy of giving back to general aviation. James Tarver Lowe is enshrined in the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. And Henry can think of no greater honor than to be enshrined with his father in this hallowed Hall.
Macon-Bibb Aviation Department congratulates the 2020 Aviator of the Year, Mr. Henry Lowe for his commitment to excellence and loyal dedication to Middle Georgia Regional Airport.