|
Chris,
I'd like to meet you on Saturday. Let's give it a go.
Hey, once in a while the papers get something right:
Pilot who died in Chandler crash praised by friends, neighbors
by Luci Scott - Mar. 12, 2010 03:46 PM
The Arizona Republic
Nazirudin Hirani, the pilot who died when his plane crashed Thursday at Chandler's Stellar Airpark, was generous with his time and his plane.
"He shared everything he had all the time," said a friend and airpark neighbor, Kurt Gearhart. "He was always taking people up for flights."
message boards Send condolences | video Video of crash scene | slideshow Photos
Gearhart, a Southwest Airlines pilot, had been a passenger in Hirani's plane as they flew Thursday morning to Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport. They had breakfast together, with several others, and Hirani insisted on buying his breakfast, Gearhart said.
Hirani stayed at the airport for an aircraft mechanics symposium, where he displayed his rare plane, a P-51, described as "probably the most famous plane in World War II," by Patrick Oakley, an airport spokesman.
Gearhart told Hirani he'd love to spend the day and fly back with him, but he had work to do at home, so he got a ride back.
The crash is under investigation to determine the cause.
Hirani flew in and out of the Mesa airport almost weekly, Oakley said.
"He's a frequent customer, but more important, he's our personal friend," he said.
On Hirani's last day, Oakley said, "he was very happy as usual to share his love of aviation. . . . He went out of his way to promote aviation, not just this airport but the whole region."
In October 2008, he was inducted into a two-year stint as the honorary commander of the 62nd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base, said spokeswoman Mary Jo May.
He attended air shows, graduation ceremonies, hosted the squadron at his home a number of times, and last week participated in a Luke event honoring the Women's Airforce Service Pilots of World War II.
Lt. Col. Bob Battema, the squadron's commander, described Hirani as "perhaps one of the most generous people I've ever known."
The friends didn't stand on formality.
"He called me Battman and I called him Nazy," the officer said.
About a year and a half ago, Arizona hosted the original Tuskegee Airmen, America's first Black military airmen. Hirani allowed his aircraft to be used for that event; it was flown by one of his neighbors, Joe Sottile, while Hirani was out of town.
Joe Martin, another good friend and the manager of Stellar Airpark, said Hirani had lived there about six or seven years
"He was so generous, fun-loving and sincere," Martin said. "He had a passion for flying, and he was just a good person. Just a terrific guy."
Jason S. Larson of Chandler is a pilot of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters and also a mechanic. He is going to school to be instrument-certified in helicopters. He described Hirani as a friend, mentor and role model with a warm, lovable personality.
Larson remembers the day he met him.
Larson was at his mechanic's job at McClintock and Warner when Hirani arrived to get propane.
"He came in with his propane tank all painted fancy, and we started chit-chatting," Larson recalled.
"He invited me to go to his house at 4:30 in the morning."
Larson went, had coffee and met his family before Hirani left for Luke to participate in an air show.
"He always said do what you want," Larson said. "It's not about how much money you make or how much it costs. It's just about pursuing your dreams.
"If you make a dime but love what you do, it's better than making a million at something you don't."
Larson said Hirani isn't really gone.
"He will always be with me, always on my shoulder," he said. "One of those days when maybe I don't feel like going to fly or going to school, he'll be there telling me to go anyway."
|
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
Sorry for the confusion; what I was trying to say was that SU-SU was one of two Mustangs recovered from Indonesia at the same time. Stephen Johnson brought in at least two "batches" of a/c back in the day...
