John Richard Hundemer

MAJOR JOHN RICHARD "JACK" HUNDEMER
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Major / O-3 (USAF Reserve)

Born into a tight-knit family with deep roots—one of several brothers born to James and Beatrice Hundemer— John Richard "Jack" Hundemer grew up developing a meticulous eye for mechanics and a profound sense of adventure. Jack entered the United States Air Force Academy as a member of the historic First Class, joining Cadet Squadron 4. During his time at the Academy, he laid the foundations for a lifetime dedicated to aviation, leadership, and rigorous flight standards.

MILITARY SERVICE & THE EB-47 STRATOJET

Following his graduation and commissioning in 1959, Jack transitioned into specialized operational flight training. From 1961 to 1965, he served as an EB-47 Pilot with the 513th Bomb Squadron based out of Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio.

Flying the complex, electronic-countermeasure variant of the Boeing B-47 Stratojet during the height of the Cold War, Jack developed a deep mastery of high-altitude jet mechanics and heavy multi-engine crew environments. This intense military flight foundation would ultimately form the bedrock of his long and illustrious second act in commercial aviation.

COMMERCIAL AIRLINE CAREER & FLIGHT STANDARDS

In 1965, Jack separated from active duty to transition to civil aviation with American Airlines, though he maintained his commission as a Reserve officer, achieving the rank of Major. His airline career spanned three decades of massive technological evolution—transitioning seamlessly from classic piston-liners to modern wide-body glass cockpits.

Jack became a highly respected figure within the American Airlines Flight Academy in Texas. He served as a Line Captain, Check Airman, Flight Instructor, and ultimate regulatory authority as an FAA Designee. In these roles, Jack was responsible for evaluating, qualifying, and certifying hundreds of future airline captains on Boeing’s flagship fleets. He retired from commercial service in 1994.

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Year Range Duty / Role Aircraft / Focus Location / Organization
1955 – 1959 Cadet USAFA Curriculum Cadet Squadron 4, USAFA
1961 – 1965 Pilot EB-47 Stratojet 513th Bomb Squadron, Lockbourne AFB
1965 – 1973 Commercial Pilot DC-6 / DC-7 / B-727 / B-707 / DC-10 American Airlines
1973 – 1984 Captain & Flight Superintendent B-727 American Airlines (Washington National Airport)
1984 – 1985 Check Airman B-727 American Airlines
1985 – 1988 Captain, Check Airman, Flight Instructor & FAA Designee B-757 / B-767 American Airlines Flight Academy, Texas
1989 – 1990 Captain DC-10 / B-767 (Intelligence/Routing) American Airlines, Chicago
1991 – 1994 Captain, Check Airman & FAA Designee B-757 / B-767 American Airlines Flight Academy, Texas

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science – United States Air Force Academy (Class of 1959)
• FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Rating – Multi-Engine Land
• Type Ratings: B-727, B-707, B-757, B-767, DC-6, DC-7, DC-10
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Designated Examiner Credentials

MILITARY MEDALS AND AWARDS

• National Defense Service Medal
• Air Force Longevity Service Award
• Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon