David Lee Hickman: 09/08/1952 - 05/10/2006
David Lee Hickman was a free spirit and true adventurer, exploring all that the world had to offer. During his time with us, he made an important impact within the General Aviation Community and established lasting friendships with people all over the world.
Having earned his Private Pilot License in 1979, David bought his first airplane—a Cessna 172. It was in this airplane that many of his family and friends from around the world experienced the thrill and freedom of taking to the air in a small private plane. In his spare time, David provided underprivileged children a chance to experience the joys of flight. An avid and proficient pilot, his training and ability to practice the proper procedures made all his passengers confident that they were flying with a careful and capable pilot who knew exactly what he was doing. He is personally responsible for instilling the drive in many of us to pursue basic and advanced aviation certifications so that we could extend the exhilaration of flight to our family and friends.
Throughout his life, David dedicated himself to promoting the General Aviation Industry and Aviation Safety. While living in Sebring, Florida, David was elected to the Sebring Airport Authority Board of Directors (January 1992 to April 2002). Over the years, he served in many roles on the Board—Environmental Committee Chairman (1992), Secretary (1993), Vice Chairman (1994), and Chairman (1995 and 1997). David was instrumental in bringing new industry to and reorganizing the Sebring Regional Airport (SEF) into a major business hub and "Free Trade Zone," bringing economic growth to the surrounding community. In 2002, he purchased his own high performance experimental aircraft—a Lancair IV. It was in this aircraft that he made many additional international contacts and became an associate in High Performance Aircraft Training, Inc., promoting aircraft safety throughout the General Aviation Industry. Among his aviation- related accomplishments were his High Performance Instrument, Commercial, and Seaplane ratings.
An avid traveler, David found Air Museums around the world to be of special interest. He had the enviable privilege of flying in many types of aircraft, including WWII heavy bombers (B-17, B-24), WWII fighters (P-51), Trainers (M-260), Biplanes, Ultralights, Helicopters, Gliders, Blimps, Hot Air Balloons, and a variety of high performance aerobatics aircraft.
David's exuberance for living drew people to him. In addition to aviation, he was an avid soccer player, golfer, and all-around sportsman. He ran in many triathlons and large marathons (Boston, New York, Chicago), and was active in many charitable organizations, most notably serving as Training Coach for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. Throughout his life, David challenged himself on every level, which is an integral part of what made him an extraordinary man, an uncommon friend, and a rare human being.
David Hickman leaves a legacy of compassion, generosity, and friendship that touched a great number of people from all over the world in many ways, making the world a better place to live for us all. He will never be forgotten.