As the aviation community mourns the loss of renowned mountain flying instructor Sparky Imeson, the Society of Aviation & Flight Educators (SAFE) has honored Imeson’s legacy by bestowing on him the designation of SAFE’s first official member, number 001.
Imeson advocated for a member-centric flight instructor organization, including member elections of the board of directors. Prior to the split from NAFI, Imeson was one of many distinguished instructors and others who signed a public petition calling for the immediate resignation of the NAFI board. On Feb. 6, Imeson e-mailed, “As soon as the new bylaws and paperwork are complete, I plan to join…”
“Sparky joined our movement in the early days of the crisis that eventually led to the formation of SAFE,” said Doug Stewart, a SAFE spokesman. “We were looking forward to his leadership in the growth of our new organization. Sparky was a role model and he will be missed.”
Imeson was found dead in the wreckage of his Cessna 180 by searchers March 19. He had departed from Bozeman, Mont., two days earlier for a one0hour flight to Helena, but never arrived at this destination.
Imeson’s “Mountain Flying Bible” is regarded as one of the most authoritative books on the topic.
For more information: SafePilots.org.
