The Florida Aviation Network has posted a documentary on YouTube featuring Jack Hallett, a 100-year-old World War II fighter pilot based at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE).
The documentary, “Jack Hallett, age 94 to 100,” chronicles the many aircraft Jack has flown since being “adopted” by the aviation family at KLEE. In the last six years he has flown an L-39 Albatros Jet, twin engine Arrowstar, Pitts S-2B, Zlin, 1942 Boeing Stearman, P-51, Mooney, and a Swearingen SX-300.
Jack doesn’t just go for a ride, he actually gets to fly these aircraft and does aerobatic maneuvers to the full extent that these planes are certified.
Jack served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II in the European Theater flying the famous twin engine P-38 and the P-47. He flew these planes in support of ground troops during his tour of duty. He was shot down twice, but always found his way back to Allied lines. He earned the rank of Major and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The Florida Aviation Network host, Joel Hargis, interviews Jack and the pilots of the planes beside the actual aircraft he flew.
Joel gets Jack to talk about his experience with each plane and talks with the owners and pilots of each one to comment on Jack’s flying skills. They are all agreed that he has not lost any of the flying skills he learned way back in 1942.
The Florida Aviation Network broadcasts free aviation programs through the efforts of the National Aviation Safety Foundation.
Sit back and enjoy a great show and meet some skilled pilots:
“twin engine Arrowstar”?