STORY and PHOTOS By LAURA HIPSHIRE
Tom Shipp, 83, of Plymouth, Michigan, has always enjoyed the thrill of a fast ride. His mom once told him, “You drive so fast, you should fly an airplane.”
Tom took his mom’s advice and then some. In July 2021, he received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the FAA. Less than 1% of pilots receive this prestigious award. To qualify, candidates must have more than 50 years of U.S. piloting experience with no accidents, incidents, or suspensions. Tom was scheduled to get the award last March, but it was postponed due to the pandemic.
Tom got his first taste of flying in 1958 when he joined the Marine Corps and trained as a jet engine mechanic. After leaving the Marines in 1962, he earned his private pilot’s certificate.
Tom didn’t find work as a pilot, so he earned an associate’s degree in quality engineering and landed a job at Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. in Sunnyvale, California. But he never lost his passion for flying.
These days Tom tows and flies gliders at the Adrian Soaring Club in Adrian, Michigan.
He currently holds airplane commercial, instrument, and glider pilot’s certificates, but says flying gliders is the most challenging.
To date, Tom has towed nearly 11,000 gliders.
“I’ll continue to fly as long as I can get in and out of the tow plane,” he says.
Tom was nominated for the award by his fellow club pilots, who describe him as “a great gentleman, a great pilot, and a great mentor to all.”
The award was presented to Tom by FAA representatives Patrick Ryan and Donald Brown at a luncheon and ceremony attended by Tom’s wife Marie, his son, Jeff, club members and friends. In addition to an official FAA certificate, he received a lapel pin and his name is now listed on the Roll of Honor at FAASafety.gov. Marie was also given a commemorative pin.
Tom says he’s honored to be getting such a cherished award for doing something he loves so much.
“Here I am getting the granddaddy of aviation awards just for having fun flying,” he says.
Tom was my mentor and pilot of my early Quality Engineering career in 1988 when he selected me to join his team. I am not a pilot but I have soared with Tom and will never forget the comforting experience when he has the command. Similarly, my engineering career soared because of his influence and I am very honored to still be his friend today.
Thanks Jim,
It’s very rewarding to learn various skills then share them with others and watch them soar to new highs, usually higher than the original input. You have done well over the years and it has been great having you as a friend for these many years. I still use my problem solving skills learned in Quality Engineering to solve problems. The first question to ask is, What Changed?
Tom Shipp
Watching him land is a awesome site,I hope one day to be half as good of a pilot
Chad,
Sure glad you didn’t see my ugly landings, when I make one I always look toward the FBO building to see if anyone was watching. A drink of water and refocus on concentration usually solves the problem. Airplanes will almost land them self if you fly to an aim point at the correct airspeed, when you get to the aim point, just reduce power and ease back on the stick a little.
Tom Shipp
Tom was my towing mentor at Sandhill Soaring Club in 2004. He is a great guy and talented pilot. I have almost 4,000 tows and will never come close to his totals. Not many pilots will ever reach 11,000 tows.
Thanks Jim for the comment,
As you know, Eb Geyer was my mentor in glider flying, his feed back was; the club continues when members gain skills and give back to the club, we have certainly given back with 15,000 glider tows between us. Good to have you as a Tow Brother.
Tom Shipp