Montgomery AL- Since his first airplane ride, Jack Thompson dreamed that one day he would become a pilot. That first airplane ride at seven years old in Ford Tri-Motor at the Birmingham Airport in 1934 cast his future. For the last fifty-five years or so, Jack has flown through life fulfilling his dream and inspiring others to take to the sky.
Serving his country in three wars, he flew as a Captain for Air America in Viet Nam. In the early 60's he hired on as a pilot for the State of Alabama, flying Gov George Wallace and was promoted to Chief Pilot. Once he retired from the State Flight Department, he became the Chief Sergeant-At-Arms for the State House of Representatives. He retired again at the age of 72. But, "once the wings go on, they never come off, whether they can be seen or not." Still, he takes to the air in his mighty 1946 Temco Swift GC1-B.
Jack Thompson flying his 1946 Temco Swift GC1-B. Image Courtesy of Jack Thompson.
Jack is an active member of many aviation associations, EAA, AOPA and the United Flying Octogenarians to name only a few. He has a passion for the Young Eagles program and mentoring young pilots at his home base at the Wetumpka Airport. In October, 2005 he was one of the first five Alabama pilots, all based at Wetumpka, to receive the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. A prestigious award representing 50 years of safe and accident free flight that is bestowed by the FAA. "We know in the world of flying there is a fellowship that lasts long after the flight suits are hung up in the back of the closet."
-Herb Sloane, Linda Thompson and Jack Thompson during Jack's 85th Birthday celebration.
The oldest flying U.F.O. member, Herb Sloane, is still flying his Wetumpka based 1946 Ercoupe as an LSA pilot. He gets up in the air almost every week for a spin. Image courtesy of Linda Thompson.
Last Saturday, over 130 friends gathered to celebrate Jack's 85th birthday in Montgomery at the Arrowhead Country Club. His wife of 37 years, Linda, threw the party. Fellow pilots, friends, and members of the Central Alabama Model A Ford Club joined Jack and family for the affair. Speaking at the occasion was the Pastor Jerry Wood, Lloyd Probst, Charles Kelley and Pete Cosentino.
As the room was filled with those closest to him, Jack said," I can't believe it, words can not express how Linda pulled off this party and I can't believe I am 85."
"We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is"... a pilot evermore. Happy Birthday Jack! -B Meyer