CAPTAIN JACK KETTLER

Everyone, who was associated with Captain Jack Kettler in any capacity, has more than one “OMAR” story. 
Even while grieving the loss of this fine man, I find it hard not to break into laughter thinking about our times together.

In the early 70’s I had the pleasure of being Jack’s First Officer many times on the Boeing 737. 
You had to be pretty senior to get Jack’s trip for a full bid month because he was such a gentleman to fly with. 
Not only that, but he was so much fun to be around that a three or four day trip seemed to be over before it got startrd.
It Was his habit to split the flying duties right down the middle, flying every other leg. 
Invariably, at least once during the trip, Jack would turn the 737 on final approach, wait until about 3 miles from touchdown,
then look at me as only Jack could, with a dip of snuff under his bottom lip and say with that unforgettable voice, 
"HOOT I’m making the landing, you make the recovery!” He cracked me up everytime.

There is a thing we can all be sure of. 
On February 10, 2003, Captain Jack Kettler rolled his 737 out on this last final approach, perfectly lined Up with that long, fluffy runway in heaven. 
There was no question, this landing would be a “GREASE JOB”. 
I know, beyond a doubt, that old 737 touched down so softly, so smoothly, that God Himself was the only one who heard the squeak of the tires 
and He immediately rejoiced and welcomed the arrival of Captain Jack Kettler.

So Omar, my old friend     God speed. You were a pilot’s pilot.....a man’s man.....and most importantly, 
one of the most beautiful, caring, compassionate human beings ever to walk on the face of this earth.

Your memory will be with us always.

-Jack Gibson
(Reprinted from the FARPA Newsletter, May 2003)