Washington County – In a ceremony held at the Washington County Airport in South Franklin, 82‑year‑old Timothy Chopp was honored with the Federal Aviation Administration’s two highest accolades for aviation professionals. The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award were presented to Chopp during a Washington Flyers Club meeting, marking a rare moment when one individual receives both honors simultaneously.
Lifetime of service to aviation
Chopp’s love of flight began in the 1960s, inspired in part by an uncle who flew for TWA. He made his first solo flight in 1962, the same year he graduated from Trinity High School. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam where he worked on aircraft rather than piloting them. “When I was in Vietnam, I wanted to be an Army pilot,” he recalled, “but there was a long wait for flight training, so by the time my number was called… the Army was not for me.”
Returning home, Chopp built a varied aviation career. He worked as a pipeline patrol pilot, a flight instructor, and founded World Citizens’ International in 1972, an air‑travel club that operated for three years. Over the decades he also served as a corporate pilot, ferrying VIPs such as members of the rock band Kiss, singer Tom Jones and tennis legend John McEnroe.
Preserving history through the Berlin Airlift Foundation
Beyond his personal flying, Chopp has long been fascinated by the historic Berlin Airlift of 1948‑49. Nearly four decades ago he established the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation, a nonprofit that maintains antique military cargo planes. One of those aircraft, the Spirit of Freedom, originally participated in the Berlin Airlift and now appears at air shows, offering educational exhibits and reenactments of the famous “candy drops” that delivered sweets to children in post‑war Berlin. “The museum is located inside the plane,” Chopp explained.
FAA awards recognize half‑century of dedication
The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award honors pilots who have logged at least 50 years of safe flying, while the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recognizes mechanics with a similar 50‑year record of expertise and commitment to safety. Recipients are nominated by peers, underscoring the respect Chopp commands within the aviation community.
“Every flight is a challenge,” Chopp said. “Every flight is a lot of planning.” Despite his age, he remains active in both the cockpit and the workshop, insisting, “I won’t quit.” His story exemplifies the dedication and perseverance that the FAA seeks to celebrate.
Local impact and inspiration
Chopp’s achievements bring pride to Washington County, highlighting the contributions of senior citizens to the region’s cultural and technical heritage. The awards ceremony, attended by fellow pilots, mechanics, and community members, reinforced the county’s strong aviation tradition and offered a tangible example of lifelong service for younger generations.
For more information about the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation and the Spirit of Freedom, visit spiritoffreedom.org.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
