Joe Hudson, started in aviation in the late 1940's working at the old Rehoboth Airport. He took his first airplane ride in a J3 Cub as a ninth grader. This was the beginning of a lifelong love with aviation.
He received his pilots license in 1948 while he was still in high school, then was nominated and accepted at the Naval Academy with his best friend Ted Freeman.
Joe decided to start his own spraying business in 1950 at 20 years old, spraying Mosquitos for the state of Delaware Mosquito Control and eventually had seven Stearman spray planes. He flew and managed the business. In approximately 1957 he purchased two military Twin Beeches AT-11's one of which he flew himself until 1970.
Joe was one of the first pioneers of the aerial spraying business. He designed, built, installed and then got FAA approval on new spray systems for both Twin Beeches. They were the first twin engine spray planes in the Eastern part of the United States, and were so efficient that they replaced five of the seven Stearmans. He went on to become one of the largest operators on the Delmarva Peninsula.
In addition, Joe is a 25 year member of Beebe Hospital Board of directors and chairman for a number of years. He was instrumental in helping the Delaware State Police Aviation Section acquire a roof top helipad at the hospital on top of the newly expanded emergency department.
The Joseph R . Hudson wing of Beebe Hospital opened in 2008.
At 82 years old, Joe still flies his Navion Rangemaster out of his fly in community that he owns, Eagle Crest Airport near Milton-Lewes Delaware on Route 1 Coastal Highway.
