Stephen Chapis

About Stephen Chapis

Stephen “Chappie” Chapis's passion for aviation began in 1975 at Easton-Newnam Airport. Growing up building models and reading aviation magazines, he attended Oshkosh '82 and took his first aerobatic ride in 1987. His photography career began in 1990, leading to nearly 140 articles for Warbird Digest and other aviation magazines. His book, "ALLIED JET KILLERS OF WORLD WAR 2," was published in 2017.

Stephen has been an EMT for 23 years and served 21 years in the DC Air National Guard. He credits his success to his wife, Germaine.

The Next Generation of Warbird Pilots: Johnny Mazza III

September 8, 2024 Stephen Chapis 0

In recent years there has been a push to recognize individuals under 40 years old for their contributions to the warbird community. The most prominent program is the Warbirds 20 under 40, which was originally […]

Hoover with a scale model of the Bell X1

Flight Test Files: The Other First Man

September 1, 2024 Stephen Chapis 0

With “The Other First Man,” we launch a series of articles called Flight Test Files dedicated to the captivating stories of aeronautical advancements pioneered first by NACA and later by NASA over the years. The […]

Will Rogers and Wiley Post with Explorer Orion August 1935 Library of Congress

Wiley Post & Will Rogers Die in Point Barrow Crash

August 18, 2024 Stephen Chapis 0

Eighty-nine years ago this week, the world lost two larger than life personalities- legendary and record setting aviator Wiley Post and beloved literary Will Rogers. […]

Capt Walter Irwin YF 104 55 2969 May 17 1958 cropped USAF

F-104 Starfighter World Speed Record

August 12, 2024 Stephen Chapis 0

In May 1958, two pilots from the 83rd FIS captured world speed and altitude records flying F-104 Starfighters. It was the first aircraft in aviation history to hold those records simultaneously. This is the story of Capt Walter C. Irwin’s world speed record. […]

Republic XF 84H USAF 51 1059 at Muroc USAF

XF-84H Thunderscreech, The Loudest Aircraft Ever

July 22, 2024 Stephen Chapis 2

The painful scream that emanated from its supersonic propeller tips sickened ground crewmen and could be heard for miles. Since its first flight the Republic XF-84H Thunderscreech has been known as The Loudest Aircraft in the World. […]

Connie Cocktail Lounge at The TWA Hotel

July 16, 2024 Stephen Chapis 2

In the middle of the 21st century hustle and bustle of John F. Kennedy Airport, the TWA Hotel is a rip in the space-time continuum that will transport you back to 1962 and the heyday of airline travel. One of the highlights of the hotel is the Lockheed Constellation Cocktail Lounge. […]