Register

More on JFK, Jr.

Kennedys current logbook was not located. The NTSB used records from training facilities, copies of flight instructors logbooks, and statements from instructors and pilots to estimate the pilots total flight experience ...at about 310 hours, of which 55 hours were at night. His estimated flight time in the accident airplane was about 36 hours, of which 9.4 hours were at night.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The NTSB determined JFK Jr. was current and had recent night flying experience, including flights while wearing a non-plaster cast for a broken ankle, despite his personal logbook not being located.
  • Treating airport line personnel respectfully and with tips can significantly enhance service quality, safety, and overall flying experience due to their critical role and network.
  • Aircraft dihedral, the upward angle of wings, provides roll stability by generating restorative forces that help return the aircraft to a wings-level attitude.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Your article, “Revisiting JFK, Jr.” (June 2016), included the phrase “…the pilot was current, including at night….” I found that interesting, as his night currency was an issue that I had never seen addressed until your article. I remember reading some accounts that said his logbook had not been found, and others that stated he was on crutches at the time of the flight.

According to one article, he had a cast removed from his broken ankle one day prior to the flight. The ankle was reportedly broken six weeks earlier, which would have had him in a cast for the previous six weeks. If we assume he didn’t try to fly during that time, that leaves roughly six weeks in which he would have had to log his three night takeoffs and landings. That’s certainly doable, but I’ve always wondered whether he actually did.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE