Friends of Aviation, a group formed to promote aviation at the Jacob Arner Memorial Airport in Mahoning Township, recognized Lamont Zimmerman Jr., a Lehighton native, in presenting its “Outstanding Aviation Achievement Award” to him yesterday.

Zimmerman, of Hershey, now flies a corporate jet for Hershey Foods. He soloed at the Carbon airport in 1963, giving him a start in the aviation field that extended through the military, into the Pennsylvania State Police, where he piloted helicopters, and finally to private industry.

Zimmerman praised the late Jacob Arner, who, he said, guided him through his aviation career. He also praised airport manager Byron Arner, who helped him obtain additional licenses.