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Two Antique Men and One Antique Plane

** Jack Hubbert and Gary Yost with Hubbert's
Aeronca Super Chief**
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Retired 82-year-old airline captain Jack, accompanied by his 83-year-old friend Gary, fulfilled a lifelong dream by flying his 1947 Aeronca Super Chief, named Daisy, 1830 miles across the country.
  • The five-day journey, from Reedsburg, Wisconsin, to Auburn, Washington, saw Gary receive last-minute navigation training and the duo consistently experiencing perfect weather, attributed to their daily "positive thoughts."
  • Despite their advanced age, the adventurous pair successfully navigated challenges including a humorous landing at the wrong airport, and were greeted by a surprise "Welcome Home" reception from friends and family upon arrival.
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My name is Jack — I am 82 years old. My friend Gary is 83 years old, and my 1947 Aeronca Super Chief (N3900E) is 65 years old.

In 1960, I went to work for Alaska Airlines for 25 years. Before and during that time, I worked on a lot of different airplanes, and for the last 12 years I was co-pilot on the Boeing 727 one year and served as Captain for the next 11 years. Sadly, I had to leave Alaska Airlines due to a heart attack, which forced me to retire. Between 1985 and 2012, I flew very little — about two to three hours a year, mostly on floats.

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