Vintage Hall of Fame

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2012 – Clyde Smith, Jr. - Longtime Piper restoration expert Clyde Smith, Jr. has been selected as the 2012 VAA Hall of Fame inductee. The induction ceremony will take place the evening of Thursday, November 15, 2012. His expertise with regard to the restoration and maintenance of the fabric-covered series of Piper aircraft is second to none. Smith’s willingness to share his expertise is legendary; since the 1970s he’s hosted forums at the Sun ‘n Fun fly-in and the EAA fly-in in Oshkosh, and for nearly two decades he’s conducted a series of how-to seminars around the country, teaching people what to look for when restoring a Piper, and the skills necessary to recover an airplane. Clyde was one of the people instrumental in the creation of the yearly event that is now the Mecca for Cub enthusiasts, Sentimental Journey to Cub Haven fly-in which takes place every June. An outstanding restorer, Clyde’s restorations have won top awards at Sentimental Journey, EAA AirVenture, and Sun ‘n Fun, among others.