I Am Astounded
We are losing one of aviation’s good guys. Long-time Cessna Regional Manager Jim Hackman is retiring.
But that’s not why I’m astounded.
Jim has been a good friend for years, and I’ve certainly benefited from the friendship more than he has. Jim probably doesn’t know it, but he has long been one of my heroes. He has handled tough things so well, and life in general so enthusiastically, that I just sat back in admiration.
Jim is one of those guys who truly believes in aviation, and sold it well. He was convinced that general aviation is a good thing, and should be marketed as such. He recognized, as he said, that, “We change people’s lives by teaching them to fly.”
But that’s still not why I’m astounded.
Jim sent his last newsletter this week, announcing his retirement and introducing the man who will try to replace him. Then—and this is why I’m so astounded—he spent much of the remaining letter saying nice things about me. I can’t believe it. It is one of the greatest compliments I ever received and I appreciate it more than Jim will ever know. At the same time I feel guilty, because I am so undeserving of the honor.
Thanks, Jim, and may your retirement be long and happy. We’d love to post your comments. Please click the comment tab at the top.
Steve,
I have had people say the same about my driving/flying. Thanks for writing.
Ralph
He was really fun when tooling around Phoenix in his vintage VW bug! I was glad he doesn’t fly like he drives!
Steve Lofgren
Thanks, Chuck–
What can I add? You and others have said it so well. Jim helped a lot of people, and he will no doubt continue to do so in retirement. More than that, hanging out with Jim is enjoyable, educational, and just plain fun.
Thanks for writing,
Ralph Hood
Like many others, I have benefited from Jim’s compassion for aviation. In my twenty years of aviation that includes GA, airlines, and military flying, no one has ever had such an influence as the “Coach” has had on me. To this day, I still tell his stories and pass on his wisom (that goes beyond the textbooks and lectures) to my students, peers, and even to the colonels.
Some of my fondest memories were at Sawyer Aviation after work drinking a beer with him in the parking lot in the RV; talking about if pitch or power controls airspeed, what things can kill you when flying, and telling Ralph Hood Stories!
Sawyer Aviation’s now gone, I think he sold that RV, and Jim doesn’t drink much beer anymore. I now know what controls airspeed (pilots) and what things will most likely kill me (tie between the Taliban and the USAF physical fitness test). One thing that will last forever are the fond memories of Jim passing that down to me. In the future I hope I’m half the mentor to others as he has been to me.
Thanks, Coach!
Chuck Sargent
C-130 Pilot (at Night)
B-737 Pilot (during the day)
C-172 Pilot (forever)
Steve–
Seems many folks know Jim, and most of them have a story to tell. He is a much admired fellow.
Thanks,
Ralph Hood
I was lucky enough to serve at the pleasure of Jim Hackman as the NATA staff liaison while he was the Chairman of the Flight Training Committee. A true gentleman and advocate for GA like none other. A great loss for the industry! Enjoy your retirement Jim!
Steve Lofgren
Al–
Yep, Jim is good folks.
Ralph Hood
I served with Jim Hackman on the NATA Flight Training Committee and I continue to be well pleased that we are friends
Al
Commercial Aviation Corp since 1966
4020 Kent Rd
Stow, Ohio 44224