David Henderson
Electronics Expert Crew Chief, Vietnam Veteran, Delaware Civil Air Patrol Member,
Participated in Operation Eagle Claw
David Henderson always knew aviation would not only be his career but an integral part of his life. His first introduction to aviation was at age ten when a family friend took him up to experience aerobatics in a Piper Cub.
David’s formal aviation career started in the US Air Force during Vietnam. Here he was an electronics expert crew chief for a variety of aircraft including AC-130 Gunships, F-4 Phantoms, and F-105 Wild Weasels.
After returning from Vietnam David continued on to earn his private pilot’s license and would fly over 9000 hrs. Later he would also earn a commercial pilot’s license, an A&P license, and FAA Inspection Authorization.
He then joined the Delaware Army National Guard and soon after his talents were needed back on active duty at the Dobbins Air Force in Georgia. David would hold five different duty positions with various aircraft including helicopters. He also took part in the effort known as Operation Eagle Claw during the Iranian hostage crisis in an attempt to free our 52 American hostages
When Mr. Henderson returned home the opportunity to purchase an 80-acre airport in Kent County that still bears his name and his true passion of restoring Cubs was realized. Soon his business was a booming enterprise, with over 150 restorations that extended worldwide. His restorations were works of art with many awards and accolades from airshows, another in a museum, and yet another seen in a movie. He even engineered a replica of the Piper Cub, “Little Bear” that could be purchased as a homebuilt kit.
Through his airfield, Mr. Henderson developed a friendship with the Prince of Thailand, which led to over a six-year relationship where he helped establish a civil aviation program in Thailand. He taught upwards of one hundred officers here and abroad to become an equivalent FAA in Thailand.
Here in Delaware, David single-handedly introduced a bill that was passed into law that would forbid any construction in the flight path of an airport that would obstruct the safety of a landing aircraft. He was also selected by Delaware Today as one of the 50 people to watch in Delaware.
Today, David is a Major in the Civil Air Patrol, USAF Auxiliary, where he has been active for 43 years. He served most of his time as a search and rescue mission pilot and is qualified as an Incident Commander (IC2).
