Remembering Jack Hooker

Jack Hooker, known for his company Hooker Harnesses, passed away on Wednesday at 78 years old.

Jack started Hooker Harness in the 1970s, growing to become one of “the most well-known and respected producer of aerobatic seatbelts and shoulder harnesses,” according to its website.

“He kind of revolutionized the aviation seatbelt industry,” Grant Hastings, friend of Jack, said. “[Hooker Harness] is the go-to people for a performance seatbelt.”

Celebrating his business and the aviation community was an important part of Jack’s life.

“He was here doing what he loved,” said Scott McPhillips, Hooker Harness manager. “He loved the people, loved the aircraft. This was all he wanted to do. Even when he retired, he couldn’t stop being here.” Whether at a fly-in, working hard at his business, or just hanging out, Jack couldn’t help but bring a community spirit.

“I think he was a very giving person, a very social person,” Grant said. “He was very influential; he knew everybody through his harness company, and always brought a keg of beer to share. He was able to provide a meeting point, a catalyst for everyone to meet everyone. I think the legacy he leaves behind is a component of community, of getting together.”

For many people, including Grant, Jack is the reason they are interested in aviation at all.

“I owe a lot of my interest in aviation to him,” Grant said. “He got me involved in our local EAA chapter and kept spending any and all time that I could at the airport. I didn’t have any family, per se, in aviation, immediate family, so he was kind of one of the main catalysts, that was my airport family. I’m forever grateful to him.”

EAA joins the aviation community in mourning Jack’s passing, while also celebrating his immeasurable contributions to aviation safety.