What Hal Shevers Taught Me About Aviation—and People

Hal Shevers has gone west—May 12, 2026.

By now, many pilots likely have read the official announcement regarding the passing of Sporty’s founder Hal Shevers—a fitting summary of a remarkable aviation career that spanned more than six decades. But like many larger-than-life figures in aviation, Hal’s public accomplishments tell only part of the story.

I had the privilege of working alongside Hal for more than 25 years, first as a student in the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Training Program and later, as part of the Sporty’s team. Like countless others in aviation, I knew Hal as an innovator, educator, and entrepreneur. But what stands out most to me today is not related to awards, buildings, or even business success. It is the way he treated people.

Hal cared deeply about flight instructors. He believed they were the foundation of aviation’s future and often said that what young instructors lacked in experience, they made up for in enthusiasm. He took pride in seeing instructors succeed and move on in their careers, and he emphasized professionalism from day one. His advice to new instructors was straightforward: be punctual and be a team player. He wanted future employers to know that Sporty’s instructors could be counted on. More importantly, he backed those beliefs with action.

Following the tragic events of 9/11, when flight training stopped overnight, Hal personally offered loans to instructors so they could continue paying bills and putting food on the table. I suspect that Hal never expected to be repaid. In another moment that has stayed with me, a student pilot on a solo cross-country flight made the conservative decision to stay overnight because of deteriorating weather. The next day, Hal quietly handed the student cash to cover the hotel, meals, and a little extra—while praising him in front of other students for making the safe decision. It was classic Hal: reward good judgment, reinforce safety, and teach in the moment.

That philosophy shaped everything at Sporty’s. During my years leading the flight training organization, Hal gave his team the latitude to do their jobs and trusted good people to make good decisions. There were, however, standards that were non-negotiable. We would do things the right way, the safe way, or we wouldn’t do them at all. We didn’t spend endless time debating whether worthwhile initiatives fit neatly into a budget spreadsheet. If something truly improved safety, education, or the customer experience, Hal believed it was worth doing well.

Hal is survived by his wife, Sandy, with whom he shared more than 60 years of marriage, and who was a constant through his life and career.

For all his accomplishments, Hal was remarkably humble. I had the opportunity to fly with him for many years in Sporty’s corporate Citation; and there was never any room for ego in that cockpit. In fact, he encouraged input and made it clear that everyone on the flight deck had a responsibility to speak up. That mindset reflected who he was as both a pilot and a leader.

Hal also was extraordinarily generous, often in ways few people ever saw. He would move mountains to help someone in need, whether that meant lending his personal car to a stranded pilot, finding hangar space for an aircraft with maintenance issues, arranging transportation or lodging for someone in need, or quietly supporting causes and people behind the scenes. Much of Hal’s generosity never will appear in official biographies, but those who spent time around him witnessed it regularly.

To the aviation world, Hal Shevers rightly will be remembered as a pioneer in pilot training, a champion for general aviation, and the founder of one of aviation’s most-recognized brands. But for those fortunate enough to know him personally, Hal’s real legacy may be the culture he created—one built on professionalism, humility, generosity, safety, and a genuine desire to help aviation grow.

Hal often said, “Without a freshman class, in just three years, there won’t be a senior class.” More than anything else, that quote may capture best how he viewed aviation: something worth protecting, nurturing, and passing along to the next generation.

General aviation lost a legend last week. Many of us also lost a mentor, a role model, and a friend.

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Eric Radtke

It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. "While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice." Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. He learned to fly at Sporty’s as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program, an initiative he later directed. Eric now manages Sporty’s media network including Air Facts Journal. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in a Cincinnati-based corporate flight department.

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