Maine, to pick up former president George H. W. Bush and fly him to a library dedication in Brookline, Massachusetts. Before they could begin the trip in their TwinStar (AS355 F2), Jeff and his copilot were both required to have a top secret security clearance. Te space over the Bush compound, located on Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport, is prohibited airspace, just like above the White House. Te crew finally launched, and as they neared the former
president’s property, they contacted Boston Center Air Traffic Control for clearance to land. “We don’t give those kinds of clearances,” was the response. “Still, I felt good about the mission, so we proceeded,” Jeff recalls. As they flew over the former president’s estate, the crew
noticed several buildings. “We didn’t know which one was the president’s residence,” Jeff says. “Ten I saw a huge Texas flag next to one building. Being from Texas myself, I knew that had to be it.” Spotting a grassy area near the flagpole, the crew landed, still unsure if the president was nearby. “We saw a guy in overalls and a baseball cap walking
toward us. ‘Tat must be one of the gardeners. He should be able to tell us if we landed in the right spot.’ But as the somewhat untidy guy got closer, a pet terrier ran by. “And
sure as hell, it’s George H. W. Bush!” exclaims Jeff. But wait, there’s another surprise. “After a few seconds,
some Secret Service Suburbans [SUVs] approached us and came to a screeching halt. We found out we landed at the wrong spot. “Te former president was one of the most wonderful
passengers we ever had,” Jeff continues. “He spoke about fishing, the kind of fish he caught, the history of the nearby islands. He was just a gentleman. When we brought him back [from the library dedication], he changed out of his suit and took off in his boat to go fishing even before we departed.” HAI President and CEO Jim Viola praises Jeff for his
contributions to both HAI and the helicopter community. “Jeff is one of those rare aviation trailblazers who will surely take the helicopter industry to the next level,” Viola says. “We look forward to his leadership.” Jeff says none of his successes could have been achieved
without family support, especially from his wonderful wife, Lauren. “Tere were many family functions I had to miss, and Lauren carried the load.” Oh, and Jeff did eventually get that college degree, in 1995.
He holds a bachelor of science in business aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
NOV. 16–17, 2022 Boise Centre West Boise, Idaho
Firefighting & Utility Operations Restricted-Category Aircraft
Hear from industry experts • See the latest technology Engage with federal agencies
Larger Venue! More Exhibits!Bigger Event!
Registration Opens July 2022
rotor.org/aerialworksafetyconf 34 ROTOR JUNE 2022
Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities Contact the HAI Customer Experience Team
sales@rotor.org | 352-388-7031
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