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Milestones

Readers congratulate former editor in chief Tom Haines on his retirement

Thomas B. Haines
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Thank you for your time at AOPA. I have always been a Tom Haines promoter and enjoyed every time we met. I greatly appreciate all the experiences he shared with his followers. His personality is second to none; he projected honesty and friendship to all his followers.

His daughters did a fantastic job with his story on AOPA Live This Week. I know he’s proud of them. To me, one of the best parts of the story is that we may occasionally read and see special stories from him. Enjoy life, my friend, you not only deserve it, but you also earned it.

J.W. “Corkey” Fornof / AOPA 1368539
Frisco, Texas

On behalf of IAOPA Pacific Region, I would like to congratulate Tom on his retirement and offer very best wishes for the future. Tom’s outstanding work must have reached almost everyone in the world involved in GA, whether an AOPA member or not. Whether in print or through AOPA Live, Tom’s work has informed, motivated, and influenced pilots all over the world.

Tom’s reporting of the 2018 Queenstown World Assembly, experience with the RNP-AR approach, and flying afterward with Jack Schulte on New Zealand’s North Island became a talking point for months and gave all of us in this part of the world a boost. Thank you, Tom, for keeping a global perspective, something that seems to be easily overlooked by others in the general aviation media. I heard that you have plans to fly your Bonanza some more and do some touring by motor home. Tom, have fun!

Andrew Andersen, vice president, Pacific Region
International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations /  AOPA 7309672
Sydney, Australia

The announcement of Tom’s retirement in the April issue of AOPA Pilot punctuates his distinguished career to date and reflects the opportunities inherent in aviation. Tom’s many experiences flying GA aircraft throughout the U.S. and the world are a tribute to his impressive involvement with our community. His love of aviation, continuing quest to learn more about the art and science of flight, and skill in sharing his knowledge with the many readers of Pilot have established a legacy that will continue to excite future aviators. Congratulations.

Jack W. Olcott / AOPA 122232
New Vernon, New Jersey

This is a short story of the impact one can make without realizing it: An AOPA legal seminar was held in conjunction with the AOPA Fly-In in Prescott, Arizona, several years back, and I was in attendance. I sat down in a vacant seat at a table and introduced myself to the fellow sitting there. We had chatted a few minutes when Tom came walking up with his plate, asked if he could join us, and we just sat there and shot the breeze through a late supper. (I was impressed he did not pull rank and cut to the head of the long food line.) No pretense, no ego, just three guys who loved aviation talking about aviation and life.

So, Tom, thank you for something you don’t even remember and for just being you. That short time told me a lot about you, and I look forward to bumping into you at some out-of-the-way airport or campsite down the road.

Gary Risley / AOPA 4296736
Farmington, New Mexico

We never met, but I’ve seen Tom’s face almost monthly. Passed by him a few times at Oshkosh and I knew who he was instantly even though he didn’t and couldn’t know each of us. Passing the baton is one way of thinking about things but another is that Tom carried the torch for a good and long time.  Tom, thanks for all you did for the membership and best wishes. 

Ron Sodini / AOPA 1420328
Chicago, Illinois

I joined AOPA and started getting AOPA Pilot in the 1970s, and remember the musings of Frank Kingston Smith, Dick Collins, and many others. I am not certain where the time has gone, but reading of Tom’s retirement is another milestone reminder that time is indeed relentless.

George Harrison reminded us years ago that All Things Must Pass, and so I witness another chapter in the magazine I have enjoyed for so many years pass with, I must admit, a bit of melancholy. I’m sure Tom is handing things over to most capable hands, and that I will continue to enjoy AOPA communications. 

Scott Barry / AOPA 732123
Glendale, California

I remember when Tom started at AOPA and was shocked when I read it’s been 34 years. Wow! Throughout my professional and personal aviation life, AOPA has been a part of it, and so has Tom’s writing. Enjoy your next phase of life and what aviation and life will bring you, Tom.

Keith Baird / AOPA 575956
Marianna, Florida

I have always enjoyed Tom’s articles. I joined AOPA in 1988 while in college and have never regretted it. His input has greatly influenced my aviation career and will always be appreciated.

Jason Jahr / AOPA 984654
Dubuque, Iowa

Somehow, I thought, perhaps like many others, that Tom would be at AOPA forever—that was our treat. We will all miss Tom on AOPA Live, from all over the world. We all thought we knew him personally. Wishing him all the very best times and lots of happy flying. 

Paul M. Southwick / AOPA 3533617
Moonee Ponds, Australia

You know you’re good when your friends, readers, and viewers hurt a little when they hear the news you’re retiring. Tom, congratulations on a very distinguished run, and thank you for serving our beloved industry with your capable and effective talent. You will be missed. 

I suspect we’ll see you around in that A36.

Jim Bunke, regional vice president , Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, AOPA 5685241
Denver, Colorado

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