Greenfield resident Ed Hug immerses himself in parts of our world that many people only get to dream about. His 35-year career within the Navy’s civil service research and development system put him in close contact with undersea worlds and, on his own time, he explored oceanic surfaces during months-long sailing adventures. Hug’s linguistic skills grant him access to foreign cultures. And he’s investigated spiritual and psychological realms, as well, through disciplines as diverse as psychosynthesis, psychodrama and intensive time in a Catholic seminary.
Last Saturday’s column touched on Hug’s academic and professional endeavors. Now, since I originally made his acquaintance by asking about a cap he wore atop his head, let’s take a look at how Hug became a member of UFO (United Flying Octogenarians), a nationwide organization of pilots aged 80 or older. It all started when Hug was in his early 30s, sitting in a movie theater: “I was watching a film called ‘The Thomas Crown Affair.’ Steve McQueen was flying acrobatically in a glider accompanied by ‘The Windmills of your Mind,’ a song with very poetic lyrics.” Hug’s interest was sparked and he pursued the activity.
Flying a glider involves piloting an unpowered aircraft by taking advantage of naturally occurring rising air currents to remain aloft and to gain altitude. “Gliders are towed into the air by another aircraft via a 100-meter rope linked onto the front of the glider,” said Hug. “The tow plane takes you up to about 3,000 feet, you pull a lever, and you’re free. You can get up to 50,000 or 60,000 feet if you find the right air currents.” Hug flew a Schweitzer 232: “It had two seats, front and back,” he said.
When asked what it’s like to fly something without an engine, especially when it comes time to land, Hug said, “One trick is to stay within an inverted cone-shaped distance of the airport. Another is to find updrafts or thermals. Warm air rises up in columns, and while you’re up there, you keep an eye out for clues like wispy clouds or hawks, or hope to encounter a thermal by chance.” Hug emphasized the importance of “flying in a circle to try to stay within a thermal. Also, check the variometer.” A variometer is an instrument that informs the pilot of the rate of climbing and can indicate a thermal.
After 13 hours of practice during the summer of 1968, Hug was able to go solo with a student license.
“Once winter came, though, glider operations slowed down,” he said. “I still wanted to fly, though.”
Hug’s next move was to a gas-powered, 180-horsepower, four-cylinder airplane; he flew Piper Cubs and was able to fly solo after six hours of instruction, given his glider experience.
“The Piper Cub was small, like flying a motorcycle in the sky. I loved it,” said Hug. “I also love that flying uses a variety of skills: it’s like going into another world, very different from our ordinary world.”
Hug had to use a different set of senses, not unlike when he became a certified scuba diver or sailed away from sight of land in worsening weather conditions.
“I’m naturally adventurous,” he said. “I guess it’s why I love learning foreign languages, traveling, and trying new things. These activities put me in other worlds.”
Hug’s spirited nature may help explain why, at 87, he appears to be 10 or even 20 years younger than his chronological age.
Hug learned about the United Flying Octogenarians when he was seven years shy of qualifying for the organization.
“When I was 73, I was seated with a bunch of old guys at a luncheon,” he said. “I hadn’t flown in 40 years, but when they all started talking about flying, I was inspired to get back into it.”
Hug headed to Turners Falls and, with the help of flight instructor Billy Bonnette, recertified for solo flight. “It took 26 hours before I went solo. It’s not enough to know what to do. It has to be ingrained in your motor memory,” he said.
Hug not only succeeded in regaining certification, he kept flying past the age of 80, becoming eligible for UFO membership. Hug hasn’t flown since one year before the COVID-19 pandemic, but he doesn’t rule out more flights.
“I’d need to get a current medical certificate, and check back in with a flight instructor, which you have to do every two years,” he said.
Nonetheless, Hug continues to have wonderful adventures, including winters in Mexico, practicing yoga, strength training and maintaining a keen interest in current events from a range of sources. “I’m thinking of going to France,” he said.
Whether he’s soaring through the clouds, plumbing oceanic depths, immersing himself in other cultures or heading to the YMCA for his exercise-as-medicine class, Ed Hug demonstrates that it’s possible to navigate the curious assignment of being human with wonder and joy.
Eveline MacDougall is the author of “Fiery Hope” and can be contacted at eveline@amandlachorus.org.