Hugh Cook

Aurora, CO

Hugh’s interest in airplanes began as a toddler watching Naval Aviators practicing in the skies over Corpus Christi, Texas. His first airplane ride occurred in 1968 in Goldsby, OK in a Cessna 120 flown by his stepdad. He fell in love with all things aviation immediately, as attested by the hundred-plus model airplanes he mowed lawns to acquire. By age 13, he was getting stick time in a Champ, and there was a Cassutt Racer being built in his basement. He attended his first Oshkosh the second year after the move from Rockford. As a line boy at his local airport, he cashed his paycheck for discounted lessons.  After several years of start-stop progress, he earned his private pilots license in 1989, and promptly bought a Cub.  The Cub gave way to a Fleet biplane, and eventually another Cub, which he fully restored. He spent several years working at FAA Headquarters. Along the way, he added multi-engine and instrument ratings. In 2008, he embarked on building an RV-8, which he completed in 2020. Now retired and living in Denver, he is active in EAA Chapter 301, flies Young Eagles, and volunteers at AirVenture. He joined the HAC for a three year term in August of 2025.