Frederick Haap Ill, of Chesterfield, Va., died September 7, 2023.
He was born in Torrington, CT on April 7, 1939 to Frederick and Hedwig (Litke) Haap. In addition to his family, aviation was his lifelong passion. After graduation from The Citadel in Charleston, SC as a Distinguished Air Science Student in June 1961, he entered active duty with the US Air Force. His first assignment was Pilot Training at Moody AFB, GA where he earned his Pilot Wings in August 1962. He served a combined 26 years in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves. During his military career he served in Vietnam, Germany, and various Air Force Bases in the US. While on assignment in Germany, he flew civilian and military dignitaries throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The Air Force awarded him the Air Medal and 3 Commendation Medals.
Upon retirement from the Air Force as Lt. Colonel, he continued his aviation career as a corporate pilot and Director of Aviation for 25 years. He became an advocate for business aviation by serving on the National Business Aviation Association’s Board of Directors for 15 years. During this time, he was elected Treasurer and Chairman of the Board. He was noted for his businesslike approach and attention to general aviation. His reputation was known worldwide. Upon retirement from this second career, he established Aviation Solutions, Inc., a consulting business specializing in business aircraft safety.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Diana (Stoner), daughter Elizabeth (Haap) Brown and her husband Greg, daughter Patricia (Haap) Callahan, her husband Stephen Borrelli, and granddaughter Jacqueline Callahan.
Funeral details are not available at this time.