Former NAAA Operator Allen Chorman of Delaware Passes at 80

Allen Chorman, a well-known and respected aerial applicator and founder of Allen Chorman & Sons, Inc., in Milton, Delaware, passed away on Monday.

Born and raised in Sussex County, Delaware, Chorman’s passion for aviation and agriculture took root early. He began working at Joe Hudson’s aerial application operation in 1956, first helping on the ground and then learning to fly. By 1965, he was piloting crop-spraying flights and quickly became Hudson’s protégé.

In 1987, Allen purchased the business and established Allen Chorman, Inc., relocating operations to what became Chorman Airport in Greenwood. Over an extraordinary 40-season career as an agricultural pilot, he logged more than 30,000 accident-free flight hours, an achievement marked by 13 successful emergency landings after complete engine failures without a single aircraft scratch.

Allen and his son Jeff have spent years supporting NAAA and the industry by hosting numerous EPA field days and demonstrations at their operation, providing equipment for Ag on the Mall and providing an aircraft for the industry’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2021.

Chorman’s work helped support farmers throughout Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and laid the foundation for a family legacy in aviation services. Under his guidance, and later with his son Jeff at the helm, the company expanded its fleet and reach while maintaining a deep connection to the agricultural community.

Allen retired from flying in 2021 but remained a beloved figure to colleagues, family and clients. A celebration of his life is planned for Feb. 28. Read the obituary here. Our condolences to Jeff and the entire Chorman family.