Took His First Plane Ride In 1933

Jack Grenier's love of aviation began at age 13 when his father took he and his sister to the Minneapolis airport where a group of barnstormers was selling airplane rides. His sister got that first ride, as his dad could only afford one, but Greiner was undaunted. He returned as often as he could to sell tickets for the barnstormers in exchange for a small commission ... and airplane rides.

What followed was a long career in aviation for Grenier. His jobs included aircraft mechanic, flight instructor, and air show pilot. He flew commercial jets for American Airlines for 12 years before having his career cut short by nerve damage caused by the onset of polio in 1950.

The Longmont, CO, Times-Call reports that Grenier's long love of aviation has now been rewarded with his induction into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame over the weekend. He is a member of the Antique Aircraft Association of Colorado, and still flies his 1946 Taylorcraft. He has restored 11 antique airplanes, and built three others from scratch.

Greiner, who turns 92 in December, admits he's "slowing down" a bit when it comes to flying. Jim Sutton, the president of the Antique Aircraft Association of Colorado, called Greiner "a living legend" who inspires young people to pursue a career in aviation.

FMI: www.coloradoaviationhistoricalsociety.org