Lynchburg, Virginia

Inducted in 1988, Rucker A. Tibbs served as a U.S. Army tank mechanic during World War II. He soloed in 1955 and received his pilot’s license in 1956. He was instrumental in the development of the New London Airport, a general aviation airport near Lynchburg. The airport opened in 1961 and Tibbs served as manager until he retired in 1984. He is known for the large amount of time he has volunteered to the aviation community in teaching and encouraging young people to fly. Tibbs is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Virginia Civil Air Patrol, serving at both squadron and wing levels. He has been credited with helping find 11 aircraft during CAP search and rescue missions. Among his many awards, Tibbs was named Virginia Airman of the Year in 1981.