Franklin J. Hicinbothem

The world of aviation is that much brighter for having had Frank. His passion and sense of humor were inspiring and infectious. He gave me my first opportunities as a pilot, and I can honestly say that some of the best days of my life were spent there in that little world he created. I’m sure it is the same for everybody, but I can’t help but smile when I think of him. Likely because my mental image is always his full throated laughter! Love for you Barbara, and the Freeflight family, and the world of aviation that will miss him.

I knew Frank throughout most of my FAA Career at the Philly FSDO and after I retired....we always kidded around about me being a Fed ....After hours I would stop to visit Frank and he would shout out.."OH OH , The FAA s here @#^?!.. I would shout,... I'm off Duty, lets have a beer..! We would sit around and just talk about what ever. Frank really enjoyed talking about how he and Barbara met back when and their adventures jumping out of perfectly good running aircraft .. He had wonderful memories of his life with Barbara...Barbara is a lucky women, and Frank a lucky man... Christy and I offer our sincere Condolences... Frank will truly be missed

Deepest sympathy to Barbara and family. Rest In Peace, neighbor. Will miss seeing you in the yard.

Thanks for keeping Freeflight Aviation running, providing student pilots, young and young at heart, the opportunity to experience flight.

Dear Barbara, my deepest condolences to you and the family. I considered Frank a friend. We had common interest in aviation and automobiles - especially BMWs. I will miss him and his laughter. Fair winds and blue skies.

Dear Barbara and Flying W community, my deepest condolences. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Frank at dinner at Beckett’s, and am so sorry to learn of his passing. He was a source of light and love of aviation.

Barbara,
My condolences & love to you on Franklin J.'s passing. He was one of my favorite people in aviation. Hanger time with Frank was always enjoyable & entertaining. I had the pleasure of sharing many flights with Frank & our annual dinners at Becket's in Oshkosh were a highlight. May he only know blue skies & tailwinds.

Dearest Barbara, just heard the sad news of Frank's passing. Please accept our condolences. Although, we are no longer "locals" we kept up with all the going on at the 'W' and Freeflight in particular. After all, both you and Frank were such a big part of my life as I went through my training. please keep up the good work and keep his legacy alive. Praying for you.

I vividly remember first meeting Frank. Years ago, after living abroad for 16 years, I was offered a job stateside. Before accepting the job, one requirement I had was to find a great small airport. On a pre-move visit I stumbled upon the Flying W, and met Frank. Only then did I decide to repatriate. Sadly, I never told him this story.
So blue skies and tailwinds, dear friend. I will always remember your beaming smile, acerbic wit, keen intellect, and generosity of spirit. You will always be a shining example of how one person's life can touch so many others, and make the world a better place.

Barbara,
My deepest condolences to you. Frank was an important part of my aviation adventure in his support of my aircraft ownership and conversation at "the hangar". I will miss him.

I will miss Frank. His love for life was inspiring in so many ways - aviation, motorcycling, racing, sky diving, camping, exploring cool places, hangar sunsets with hangar-made sandwiches (and a beer) the list goes on. This life will have much less color without him.
My heart goes out to you, Barbara.

I will miss Frank. His love for life was inspiring and showed in so many ways - aviation, motorcycling, racing, sky diving, camping, exploring cool places, hangar sunsets with hangar-made sandwiches (and a beer) the list goes on. This life will have much less color without him.
My heart goes out to you, Barbara.

Barbara – My heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy to you and the family. May Frank rest in peace. I know he will always be with us in spirit. He was a great soul and always had a great story and was always willing to impart his knowledge and wisdom to all. He was a great asset to our aviation community and made a tremedous contribution to Aviation and beyond. He will be sorely missed by all! God Bless and please know we are all here for you as you go through this very difficult time. Tom

Barb, My heartfelt condolences. I knew Frank, only through the stories that you had shared over the years. Our thoughts go out to you, the family, and also to your extended family in aviation.

Barb. Best wishes as you go through this difficult time. Frank was a great guy. He was generous with his time and always willing to pass on his knowledge. I enjoyed all the times I spent with him in his hanger shooting the breeze while drinking a cold one. He will be missed by many.

Barbara, I'm so sorry for your loss. Frank was a huge part of the atmosphere at Freeflight and his crazy stories of 'near-misses' both with skydiving and flying shall never be forgotten. His laugh was infectious, his 'larger-than-life' personality shall be his legacy. A true legend. With my deepest condolences to you and the whole Freeflight family, Emily.

I am so sorry for your loss, Barbara. Frank was instrumental in getting my pilot's license at Freeflight. He was always very kind with his time and sharing his immense knowledge. It was always a treat to see him in the office or hangar. I was even lucky to fly in his plane a couple of times. My sincerest condolences!

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know that they are happy.

I learned to fly at Free flight. Frank was always there with an anecdote or teaching. Especially about the art of listening to the engine and the care of the plane. He was a great teacher and will be sorely missed. My condolences to Barbara and the entire Free Flight family.

So very sorry for you loss! God bless you and you family