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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:

  • 82-year-old retired pilot Jack and his 83-year-old friend Gary fulfilled Jack's lifelong dream by purchasing a 1947 Aeronca Super Chief ("Daisy") and undertaking an 1830-mile cross-country flight.
  • Their five-day journey from Reedsburg, Wisconsin, to Auburn, Washington, involved preparing Gary for navigation and emergency landing, benefiting from his "positive thoughts" for perfect weather, and a humorous accidental landing in the wrong town.
  • Despite the physical challenges of their age and minor navigation mishaps, the duo successfully completed the long flight in their antique airplane, fueled by friendship and a lifelong passion for aviation.
  • The adventure culminated in a heartwarming "Welcome Home" surprise from family and friends upon their arrival, celebrating their remarkable accomplishment.
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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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