Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame Spotlight: Lt. Col. Robert Hepp
Lt. Col. Robert Hepp
Lt. Col. Robert Hepp
Youngstown, OH
Inducted: 2022
During a 21-year career in the US Army, Bob Hepp served in a variety of posts including two tours of duty in the Washington, D.C. But during his Army career, Hepp also began a business,
Aviation Adventures, a state-of-the-art flight training operation offering licensing and certification in 11 different areas of aviation operations. Hepp’s flight training business started, literally, from the trunk of his car at an Oklahoma airport in 1989, and has evolved into what is, in 2022, the largest of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic, offering not only intensive use of computer assisted instruction but “one-stop shopping” with FAA-authorized testing to complete instruction programs. He was named FAA Flight Instructor of the Year in 2016 and has been recognized as a pioneer in using flight simulators and other advanced training devices.
More about Bob Hepp:
VIRGINIA AVIATION HALL OF FAME INDUCTS FOUR
below is a portion of the article written for AOPA Nov. 22, 2022
In 1978 the Virginia Aeronautical Historical Society introduced the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame, and ever since the society has been recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation, specifically those who have helped Virginia emerge as a leader in aviation and aerospace. More than 100 individuals have since been inducted, representing various aerospace and aviation disciplines, including but not limited to pilots.
The four members inducted in 2022 were Van Crosby, David Darrah, Bob Hepp, and Gladys West. The chief reasons for their induction were highlighted on the VAHS website.
Lt. Col. Robert Hepp is the founder of the Virginia flight school Aviation Adventures. In 2016 he was recognized as the FAA Flight Instructor of the Year, and “has been recognized as a pioneer in the use of flight simulators and advanced flight training devices.” Prior to his time as a flight school owner, Hepp served as a U.S. Army officer for 21 years.
An AOPA member along with Crosby and Darrah, Hepp was surprised and honored by the nomination and induction. Brig. Gen. David Young (a previous inductee of the VAHS) worked with Hepp’s family to honor the legacy Hepp continues to leave on the Virginia aviation community through his work in the military and as an award-winning flight instructor who describes instructing as “making people’s dreams come true.”
“It’s a very rich history of aviation in Virginia,” Hepp said. “I think it’s tremendous the mission [the VAHS has] of connecting the people in Virginia to aviation and aerospace.”
“The job that they do is great in identifying the people that have significantly contributed,” Hepp said of the historical society’s work to recognize his fellow nominees and their influence on the Virginia community, among them Gladys West.