Johnny Mazza, HOF Inductee, 2015 has passed away
We are sad to report the passing of Johnny Mazza, HOF Inductee, 2015. He died in an ATV accident on Saturday evening. He will be sorely missed.
Matoaca, VA Inducted in 2015, John “Pappy” Mazza’s aviation experience started from an early age, flying with his father. He obtained his pilot license and instrument rating in a Tri-Pacer. Mr. Mazza always directed energy, time and resources toward making aviation accessible to all communities, often piloting his own plane to provide transportation for the support and promotion of aviation in Virginia.
His service on aviation boards and groups ranged from local general aviation to the Virginia state boards who oversee all aspects of aviation promotion, facilities and service in Virginia. Mr. Mazza was a dedicated and active member of the Virginia Aviation Board, the Dinwiddie Airport and Industrial Authority, the Virginia Transportation Safety Board, Chesterfield County Airport Advisory Board and many others, as well as serving as Chairman of the Capital Region Airport Commission.
Mr. Mazza was a founder and leader of the WWII Victory Capitol Flyover on May 8, 2015 and similar capitol flyovers in earlier years. He was a prime player in obtaining permits to allow the flyovers – an effort which took years to coordinate. While volunteering as a pilot and Safety Officer of Flight Operations at the Military Aviation Museum, he performed and advocated for aviation across the U.S and also volunteered at local schools to encourage young people to pursue careers in aviation.
