Meet Jim Kaletta . . . Accomplished Pilot, Aircraft Owner, Association Leader, and Corporate Executive

Few people really ever fulfill their childhood dreams of growing up and becoming a full-time, professional pilot . . . but Jim Kaletta was one of them. Not only did he become a pilot, he became a major contributor in aviation technology and leadership.

For Jim, his dream to fly began at the age of 12 at the old Sky Harbor Airport, near Buffalo.  His father had recently purchased a J-3 Cub, followed by a Cessna 140, and later a Piper 18.  So you could say Jim was nearly born into the world of aviation.  He soloed on his 16th birthday and received his private pilot certificate exactly one year later.

Like most eager young people of Jim's era, he had to earn every hour of flight instruction by working around the airport.  In this case, it was Steffan Field (now Clarence Aerodrome).  He quickly received his instrument and multi-engine ratings. 

After graduating from Burgard in 1955 with an A&P ticket, Jim wrote letters to all of the major airlines seeking employment as a pilot.  Turned down because he was under 21 years old, Jim was not willing to wait.  He managed to secure a night-shift desk job with Capital Airlines, which was later merged with and became United Airlines.  His duties included doing weight and balances and crew scheduling.   

It was not long before United Airlines management recognized Jim's talent and zeal for aviation, so they sent him to Washington, DC for flight training, followed by assignment as one of the company's only two pilots who were still under the age of 21!  Over the next several years, Jim quickly accrued lots of hours flying the line for United.  "The experience was great, says Kaletta, but the pay was miserable."    Jim solved the pay problem by securing a flying job flying freight for Airlift International for twice his former pay.  He transferred to Miami and began making daily runs throughout the Caribbean and the eastern seaboard. 

Life was becoming quite good for Jim until, sadly, his father past away.  He returned to Buffalo to settle family matters.  It was during this time that Jim was invited to join Scott Aviation, a Buffalo-based aviation supply company.  His piloting skill and experienced, coupled with an engaging personality was just what Scott Aviation needed to boost their sales.  He quickly became their number one salesman, flying around the country taking orders in a Piper Commanche 250  and later a PA-30 Twin Comanche.  His remarkable sales accomplishments ultimately led to his promotion to Vice President and General Manager.

During Jim's term of running Scott Aviation, its sales soared from $3 million to over $100 million annually!  But not content to just run Scott Aviation, Jim also provided piloting services for the nearby Carborundum Company.   In this capacity, he flew Beech E-18s, Lear Jets, and eventually the HS-125, averaging over 30  hours each month in the air!   Still not getting enough flying in to suit his needs, Jim  purchased a Piper Arrow, which was later lost in a hangar fire at the Buffalo Airfield, followed by a Piper Comanche, and a Navion Range Master which he hangared at Niagara Falls.   Jim has also piloted  a Cessna 172RG, Mooney 201, PA 28R, PA 32, PA 30C, Navion  NA 1, Lancair 320, Cessna 172M, Bell OH58C, Beach V35M, and a Gruman AA5A.

Jim was running a major corporation, doing charter work with a neighboring corporation,  serving in the Army National Guard, and buying and maintaining his own series of airplanes.  During all this activity, he managed to secure a helicopter rating, and type ratings in Lear Jets and British Aircraft 125-400 and 700 aircraft, along with logging over 10,000 PIC hours.  While these would been regarded as a significant accomplishments, Jim went on to secure a U.S. Coast Guard Commercial Captains license for ships of 100 tons!  He also managed to earn a Bachelor of Science degree, followed by graduate studies in marketing, antitrust, and trade, along with specialized training in counter intelligence, labor relations, and leadership skills development.

Jim is the consummate over-achiever.  Not only did he become an accomplished pilot, educated professional, and a local captain of industry, he went on to hold leadership posts as president of the Aviation Distributors and Manufactures Association, the Air Force Association, and the Buffalo Aero Club.  He also served on the boards of directors of the Niagara Falls Airshow and the Buffalo Launch Club.  With still time remaining in his busy schedule, Jim contributed himself as an Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles pilot, Civil Air Patrol pilot, and as an FAA Aviation Safety Counselor in both Buffalo and Florida. 

And that's not all.  Jim is a member of the Quiet Birdman (QBs), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Aerospace Medical Association, and  the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA).  In 1991, Jim was inducted into the Niagara Frontier Aviation Hall of Fame.  As for Jim's hobbies, its no surprise that flying is listed as number one!

Western New York is proud to have men and women like Jim Kaletta who not only served as pioneers in aviation, but who continue to be role models for a whole new generation of pilots now learning to fly.  He remains active in his many aviation organizations, particularly with the Civil Air Patrol, where he takes delight in introducing young people to aviation and encouraging them as they endeavor to follow in his remarkable footsteps.