Aviation, and particularly flight instructing, was Larry's passion. He first soloed a J-3 Cub in Fremont, Nebraska, in 1952 and went on to earn his Private, Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine, Flight Instructor and Airline Transport Pilot Certificates. He was a longtime aircraft owner and flight instructor in the Omaha, Wahoo and Fremont areas. In 2001, he was named the Nebraska Instructor of the Year and was a finalist for National Flight Instructor of the Year. In 2007, the FAA awarded him the Wright Brothers "Master Pilot" Award for demonstrating professionalism, skill and aviation expertise by maintaining safe flight operations for 50 or more years. He most recently served as a simulator instructor at the UNO Aviation Institute, where he enjoyed passing along his love of aviation.
Students eligible for the Larry Smith Memorial Scholarship must meet the following criteria:
- Candidates shall be pursuing a major in aviation at the Aviation Institute, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, University of Nebraska at Omaha.
- Preference shall be given to candidates having freshman or sophomore standing.
- Candidates shall have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or above.
- Preference shall be given to students who have their Private Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating.
