By Bill Armstrong, May 2019
With a profound interest in aircraft and mechanics early in life, Bill Pancake possesses a degree of expertise in all aspects of aviation that is widely recognized. C. William Pancake has flown, built, repaired, and inspected a wide variety of aircraft. His workshop located at his home in Keyser is equipped with the tools and machinery that fulfills his project at the moment. Aeronca type aircraft are his specialty, but his knowledge goes far beyond any one airplane. Bill has a photographic memory and can recall dates and past incidents that impresses any listener. As a flight instructor he has taught many locals the art of flying, including his grandsons.
The Federal Aviation Administration recognizes pilots with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for over 50 years of flight expertise and also the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award, again for 50 years of experience in that field. Bill Pancake is among the very few to receive both of these prestigious awards for which he is justly proud.
At the largest air show in the world, Air Venture at Oshkosh, WI, Bill has for years led a forum offering expertise and answering queries from the large crowd. He also holds a similar forum at the Aeronca Convention held in Middletown, OH near the site where Aeronca type aircraft were built.
Bill continues to fly and operate from a small grass airstrip south of Keyser, WV. Although semi-retired, he still answers queries from folks all over the country via telephone and e-mail to clarify or assist others in their individual aircraft projects.
Aviation has been and is the focal point of Bill Pancake’s life. His multitude of friends and others recognize him as a true treasure within our aeronautical community.
Wings Over Cumberland 