Longtime pilot Charles “Chuck” Clapper inducted into the Crossville Memorial Airport Hall of Fame for his contributions and impact on the airport.
With over 60 years of flying experience, Clapper has earned many prestigious awards, including the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50-plus years of accident-free flying and the FAA Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award for 50 years of maintenance excellence. Crossville Mayor RJ Crawford said Clapper has made a tremendous impact on the Crossville airport since moving to the area in 2007.
“Chuck immediately became active in the airport, providing services as both a master mechanic and as a certified flight instructor, energizing the local Crossville Flyers Club and participating in airport events and activities,” Crawford said.
Clapper played a key role in creating the Crossville Airport Committee to improve communication between the airport and the city. Crawford said Clapper’s contributions to the airport are historic, and his impact on the airport and the aviation awareness of the Upper Cumberland area will be felt for the foreseeable future and for generations to come.
Clapper helped establish the Civil Air Patrol Squadron in 2014 and also founded the airport’s first member-equity flying club using his own aircraft. Clapper also piloted aircraft in films such as “Last Plane Out,” “Drop Zone,” and “War and Remembrance.”
The City Council inducted Clapper into the Hall of Fame during Tuesday’s council meeting.