Charles Lewis (Charlie) Hirst |
| Posted 2009-11-24 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Thursday, January 2, 2003 Charlie Hirst made his last earthly flight, December 29, 2002. As the wind picked up Sunday afternoon, the sky filled mystically with dark ominous clouds. As Charlie was boarding for the journey and checking his flight plan, a due west heading was set for him. Miraculously the western sky opened with a spectacular sunset befitting the occasion. And Charlie went home with God as his co-pilot. Within a few minutes a rainbow sparkled over Central Phoenix signaling the journeys success. Charlie, age 88, was born Charles Lewis Hirst on April 8, 1914 in Phoenix, Az. A true native Arizonan is part of his legacy. Only flying and his family equaled his passion for Arizona. In his illustrious 88 years, half of that time was spent in the air, logging over 20,000 hours of flight. His first flight was in August 1935 in a classic puddle-jumper. Only 18 horse power, but it lifted him toward the sky. His love of flight took him crop dusting, barnstorming and as an instructor. Before WWII, he moved to California to join Lockheed Aircraft as a test pilot. He was one of the first pilots to fly the B-17 and he was a charter member of the P-38 Club. He was also one of the first to fly military jets produced in the U.S. But, it was the jet fighter, the P-80 with its unpressurized cabins that ended his career as a test pilot. In 1946, Charlie returned to Arizona flying for Arizona Fertilizer Co. As crop dusting assignments throughout the western and northern states arose, Charles was always there. In 1952, Charlie joined Goodyear Aircraft in Litchfield Park. Military aircraft was being converted for civilian use and Charlie learned new skills leading him to the skill of "mapping". Charlie joined ADOT in 1962. Converting from military aircraft to Cessna's required masterful skills. During this tenure with the State of Arizona, almost every square mile of our state was mapped and upon retirement in 1979, Charlie was recognized for his skills and safety record. Tora! Tora! Tora! was 20th Century Fox's big hit in 1969. From Lockheed records, they found Charlie. He was sent to Hawaii for six weeks to fly the B-17 once again. He pulled the B-17 abruptly into the air when an enemy bomb landed on the runway on which it had just touched down. Charlie did the scene 8 times until the director was sure the cameras were in the right place. Charlie was a true sky pioneer, known for his pipe smoking, quiet man approach to life. Only after asking a question, would the flood gates open with stories filled with passion. His passion ran wide from the skies of Arizona to prospecting and fishing our state. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred of 49 years. His surviving children, daughter, Charlene "Charlie" Brown and son, Paul with daughter-in-law, Lynnette and step-son, John M. Wells will continue his legacy. Charlie's greatest joys came with his 4 granddaughters, Julie HutselI and Teresa Mattes from California and Nikki and Shana Hirst from Phoenix. His "grandgirls" were his passion in his later years and Charlie will always be remembered for the wisdom he instilled in them. As a founding member of QB's, Charlie touched the lives of many fellow pilots. Friendships of 50+ years will remember Charlie's courage, strength and quiet man approach to the industry they all love. To all the Quiet Birdmen, you can rest assured the skies are safe. The angels have the best navigator who ever lived on earth, now in heaven. Services will be Saturday at 1 p.m., Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix. |
Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.
Questions About This Project?