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The history of jets and trainers flown by civilian owners
and pilots began in the United States in the late 1950s. The
first military jets operated in the United States were
surplus British Vampires and Glouster Meteors. In the 1970s
a few Canadian T-33s and F-86s began flying in the U.S.
These aircraft were placed into the Experimental category
and were used mainly for air shows and air racing.
With the Canadian T-Birds leading the way, the aircraft
types flown and the numbers slowly increased. Jim Robinson,
of Houston, TX, the moving force behind the CJAA, made calls
to aircraft owners and pilots to gauge interest in
establishing a jet organization. This resulted in the first
organized meeting, held in Denver in 1989 with 60 people in
attendance.
During this first gathering of jet operators, Robinson
was elected the first president of the CLASSIC JET AIRCRAFT
ASSOCIATION. Through Jim's outstanding work, the CJAA was
made a legal entity, by-laws were adopted, and the
association's logo was created.
CJAA's next president was Chuck Parnall. During his
tenure, he accepted a full time position at the Experimental
Aircraft Association (EAA), and lead the way toward CJAA and
EAA cooperation. Also, during this period, conventions were
held at Tucson, AZ, NAS Pensacola, San Antonio, TX, and
Seattle, WA.
Then came the July 1993 moratorium on jet warbirds. This
action on the part of the FAA united and strengthen the CJAA
membership. After parting from EAA, a major reorganizing
effort occurred at the Nellis AFB convention in 1995. Kay
Eckardt was voted in as president, and a new board of
directors was elected. This rebirth of the rejuvenated CJAA
culminated with the Dallas, TX convention in 1996, where
legal charters were incorporated to ensure the long-term
survival of the association.
Don Kirlin succeeded Eckardt as president in 1997 at
Tyndall AFB, and in turn was succeeded by Bill Geipel in
1999 at Nellis AFB. Mark Sherman assumed presidency in 2001
and served until Warren Wood took over in 2003. Karl Kunze's
presidency from 2005 to 2007 was highlighted by the FAA
agreement to overturn the 600nm proficiency limitation. And
at the 2008 Kirtland AFB CJAA convention, "Doc" Blevins
assumed the presidential reigns.
The Classic Jet Aircraft Association now has membership
in the hundreds who restore, own, and operate classic jets
and seek to do so for all to enjoy; and our numbers are
growing. Currently, members are flying over 30 different
types of classic jets, virtually all being ex-military SMTPA
(Surplus Military Turbine Powered Aircraft).
Surplus military jets are also flying in a number of
other countries, with England dominating the scene. However,
they can also be found in Canada, Sweden, Switzerland,
France, and Italy, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Many of these overseas owners and operators are CJAA
members.
The CJAA works with the federal government, specifically
the FAA in Washington, providing valuable input to law and
regulation makers. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the
Annual Convention and regional Fly-ins for training,
recurrency, and renewing friendships. Technical and safety
information is also disseminated through its Classic Jet
Journal, published quarterly.
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