John Chirtea
- Attended Miami University in Ohio
- Formed Chataugua Flying Club
- Key Man for DELMARVA Quiet Birdmen Hangar
- Vice President of Delaware EAA Chapter 1683
- Delaware Rep of United Flying Octogenarians
- Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award Recipient
John Chirtea’s love of aviation began as a youngster, building balsa wood airplane models. His highlight as a model builder was entering and winning a competition, with his entry being the original Wright Brothers glider, and his winning trophy presented by Chuck Yeager.
John attended Miami University in Ohio. With 15 other students, they formed the Chatauqua Flying Club, and purchased a 65 horsepower Aeronca Champ 7AC and two other aircraft which John flew while in college. John was President of the club most of his college years.
After college, Army service, family and a business career all interfered with John’s flying activities. His active involvement in aviation resumed in 2003 with the purchase of a Piper Pacer PA22/20. Since then, John acquired approximately 11 different aircraft, most recently a Blackfly Aero eVTOL.
As president of the Eagle Crest Homeowners Association for over 10 years, John has worked tirelessly to further aviation in Sussex County. He testifies and responds at public meetings and hearings for the advancement of aviation in southern Delaware. For several years, John, has served as Key Man of the DELMARVA Quiet Birdman Hangar. John is the Delaware representative for the United Flying Octogenarians. And he recently helped found EAA chapter 1683.
After many years of contributions to aviation, John was presented with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award which is given to pilots who have practiced safe flight operations for 50 or more years.
For 69 years, John has established and led flying clubs and charity flying events to spark aviation interest in multiple states. John generously donates an hour’s flight to a number of local non profit organizations and he is known as an “Ambassador” for aviation.
