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2015 SESSION


HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 268
Commending Rucker A. Tibbs, Sr.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 25, 2015

 

WHEREAS, Rucker A. Tibbs, Sr., has taught hundreds of people how to fly in an aviation career that has spanned more than 50 years; he spearheaded the building of New London Airport in Bedford County, and has been an invaluable member of the Civil Air Patrol; and

WHEREAS, Rucker Tibbs made his first solo flight on July 4, 1955, and received his pilot’s license in 1956; he also possessed a commercial license and was a certified flight instructor; he is known for his many contributions to the aviation community, especially as a flight instructor and in his work with young people; and

WHEREAS, Rucker Tibbs proudly served in the United States Army as a mechanic working on Sherman tank engines; they were made from modified aircraft engines, the same kind that Rucker Tibbs later would become familiar with in his aviation career; and

WHEREAS, after his military service, Rucker Tibbs developed the New London Drag Strip and Airport, a general aviation airport near Lynchburg, which today houses 55 aircraft; and

WHEREAS, Rucker Tibbs managed the New London Airport until he retired in 1984, but he continued his affiliation with the airport until it was sold in 2005; today, at age 92, he continues to own and operate Rucker Tibbs Aviation, a fixed-base operator; and

WHEREAS, Rucker Tibbs has been an active member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) since 1956, serving as pilot, mission pilot, and squadron commander; in 1972, he was assigned to the Virginia Wing and was chief check pilot for more than 22 years, and he also was chief maintenance officer, mission coordinator, and mountain mission pilot; and

WHEREAS, as a longtime member of the Virginia Wing of the CAP, Rucker Tibbs participated in multiple search and rescue missions, and he was a lieutenant colonel in the CAP when he was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame in 1988; and

WHEREAS, because of his outstanding service to the Commonwealth and to aviation, Rucker Tibbs has received many recognitions; he was named Virginia Airman of the Year in 1981 and was honored in 1975 by the Virginia Wing of the CAP Senior Outstanding Member; he also has received many other honors during a distinguished career; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Rucker A. Tibbs, Sr., who has made numerous contributions to the field of aviation in the Commonwealth as a flight instructor, airport manager, and invaluable member of the Civil Air Patrol, hereby be commended for his dedication and service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Rucker A. Tibbs, Sr., as an expression of the House of Delegates’ respect and admiration for his commitment and many years of service to the field of aviation and to the Commonwealth.