Remembered By AOPA President And CEO Craig L. Fuller, Immediate Past President Phil Boyer

ANN is saddened by the news of the death of John L. Baker, who served as the president of AOPA from 1977 through 1990. He was only the second person to serve in that capacity.

John Baker Photo Courtesy AOPA

AOPA reports that Baker was a Korean War fighter pilot who later served on the staff of Nebraska Republican Senator Roman Hruska. He later was appointed as the assistant administrator in the FAA’s office of general aviation affairs.

Craig L. Fuller, current president and CEO of AOPA and the fourth person to hold that position, called Baker dedicated and energetic in defense of general aviation.

"John Baker was an extraordinary advocate for our freedom to fly and his passion for aviation and defending the interests of the GA community never waned. His dedication and energy were vital to drawing attention to the issues affecting general aviation, and his work has had a lasting impact on our industry.

Craig Fuller

"It was my good fortune to meet and get to know John Baker and his passion for aviation after I came to work in Washington, D.C., in 1981. Later when I was named AOPA President, he was among the first people to contact me. From the time I served in the White House right up to today, I have valued his counsel whenever we had the opportunity to connect."

Phil Boyer, AOPA's immediate past president who served between Baker and Fuller, praised Baker's focus on the member.

"John Baker was the true epitome of a fighter pilot.

"He advanced from his military career to some of the highest general aviation ranks in industry and government. Baker was a highly qualified choice as AOPA's second president, and was the leader who transformed the organization from a large flying club to one of the world's most successful membership associations.

Phil Boyer

"His concentration on member-centric activities was as precise as his military flying. When I first followed him as AOPA's third president, employees often quoted his line, 'If you stiff a member, you're out.'

"The successes AOPA enjoyed under my leadership and will enjoy into the future are set on the strong foundation John established."

Baker passed away at his home in Angier, NC March 11th.

FMI: www.aopa.org