WHO INFLUENCED YOU
to become a pilot? A loved
one perhaps? An air show performer, a historical
figure—or was it an instructor who had such an
infectious laugh it kept your blood pressure well
below redline during those difficult maneuvers?
Maybe it’s not such a simple answer after all.
Think about it for a minute before you read any
further. Conjure up their image and see if they
resemble the people you are about to meet in this
story. Of course there will be an airplane, but the
Pitts Special in this tale is more like the cherry
on top of a delicious dessert. Flying is not just
about airplanes, it’s also about the people in our
lives, past and present, who took us under their
wings, and gave us the gift of flight.
NICE GUYS FINISH FIRST
If you have been led to believe that nice guys
finish last, then I’m here to tell you that you’re
dead wrong. Tom Hegy, EAA 6849, of Hartford,
Wisconsin, is more than just a nice guy. Not
only would he give you the leather flying jacket
off his back, but he would offer you his socks
as well if your feet were cold! Tom is one of
those pilots who eats, breathes, sweats, and
sneezes aviation—has for more than 50 years.
During most of the summer months Tom
can be found at the controls of an Air Tractor
502B crop duster, zooming and diving over
the fields of central Wisconsin. And, when
harvest time begins, Tom heads back home
where he either turns wrenches on or flies
one of his three red airplanes—a homebuilt
Travel Air 4000 biplane, a Piper Cruiser, or
his latest pride and joy—a freshly restored Pitts
Special. If he had to pick his favorite, the Pitts
would win hands-down. Not because of its fly-
ing qualities or roominess, but because it had
originally been built and flown by his mentor
Jim Miles.
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