Wayne C. "Pappy" Brubaker (1915-1993 ) established Capital Air Services, a fixed-base operation, at Dover airfield in 1956. When the field was acquired for Dover Downs, he moved his services to Delaware Airpark until 1968 when Chandelle Estates opened as the state's newest airport. He managed Chandelle, two miles east of Dover, and operated his flight training, maintenance, and fueling service there until his death in 1993.
A skilled mechanic who served four years in the Air Force during the Korean War, Pappy is best-remembered for his enthusiasm and readiness to help fliers build their own planes. "He was the most loved airplane mechanic in lover Delaware" wrote the late George J. Frebert, aviation historian.
A native of Lancaster County, Pa., Brubaker commuted to his job at Bellanca Aircraft Company in New Castle during World War II. He earned a private pilot license and, after World War ll, moved his family to Dover. It was at Dover Air Force Base that he got his nickname at 32 as the oldest man in his squadron. He retired from the military in 1952.
Pappy's expertise ranged from routine repair to fabric recovering and total aircraft restoration.
His widow, Helen, also of Lancaster County, lives in Camden, Del. The Brubakers raised two daughters: Mrs. Maribelle Long of Camden, and Mrs. Anna Seifried, who lives in Norman, Okla.
