Register

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 pilot Jack fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a 1947 Aeronca Super Chief and embarking on an 1830-mile cross-country flight from Wisconsin to Washington with his 83-year-old friend Gary as navigator.
  • Despite their advanced age and Gary's minimal prior flight experience, the five-day journey involved several memorable challenges, including an accidental landing at the wrong airport and physical difficulties exiting the cramped plane after long flights.
  • The adventurous trip concluded successfully and joyfully as they were met with a surprise "Welcome Home" greeting from friends and family upon their arrival in Auburn, Washington.
See a mistake? Contact us.

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.

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