Harlan James (Jim) Poel

Captain Jim Poel was a pilot’s pilot. Virtually every aspect of his life reflected his love for flying and his commitment to aviation. Jim’s first solo flight was in an Aeronca 7AC Champion when he was 20 years old. Shortly thereafter, he began what would become a 38 year professional career with American Airlines and a lifetime’s obsession with things that fly.

Jim’s love of flying boats and seaplanes was legendary. He was one of the most respected figures in the Seabee community and he served as a mentor, a teacher and a friend to all who knew him. Jim traveled the country in his beloved Seabee and established his legacy within this elite group of aviators.

Jim’s passion for seaplanes led him to the birthplace of seaplane aviation in Hammondsport, New York. As chief pilot for the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Jim had the opportunity to help restore and fly some of the most famous machines in seaplane history. This included the 1910 Curtiss Albany “Hudson” Flyer and the 1911 Curtiss A-1 Triad. Together with his friend and co-pilot, Lee Sackett, Jim flew the 1914 flying boat “America” over Keuka Lake in Hammondsport in 2008 and again in 2009. Jim and his wife, Lovada, were responsible for the annual seaplane “Homecoming” event in Hammondsport that brought seaplanes and seaplane enthusiasts from around the country back to the birthplace of seaplane aviation each year.

Jim was a role model for an entire generation of pilots and a great friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.