C.H. Wise (Ret)

Foil: 9 Panel: 2 Column: 1 Line: 102

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Walter J. Lesiak

Clarence H. Wise, MSgt, USAF (Ret); GM-15, FAA (Ret)

Born: Atlanta, GA - July 14, 1925
Died: Athens, GA - December 23, 2004

In 1942 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was trained as an Aviation Machinist (aircraft & engine mechanic). After serving six and a half years in the Navy he transferred to the U.S. Air Force where he served for a number of years as an aircraft mechanic and crew chief before training as a Flight Engineer Technician. He logged more than 5000 hours as a flight engineer on C-54, C119, C121, and C124 aircraft before retiring from the Air Force in 1970.

During his military career he served both on active duty and as an Air Reserve Technician for a total of 28 years during three wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

After retiring from military service he then embarked on a second career in the aviation arts with the Federal Aviation Administration as an Airworthiness Inspector. He served in this capacity until he retired from the FAA in 1988 after attaining the grade of GM-15, Airworthiness Supervisor. His last duty assignment with the FAA was as chief supervisor of airworthiness inspectors based in Frankfort, Germany. In this capacity he was responsible for FAA airworthiness requirements for all of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

After serving 46 years with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and FAA he then embarked on a third aviation arts career. By keeping his FAA airworthiness inspector credentials current he was able to serve the aviation industry in a private business capacity as an Aviation Consultant. He served the general aviation industry as a consultant until retiring in 1997, ending a 55-year career in the aviation industry.