N801BH Gone West... (Ben Haas)

Ted DuPuis said:
I did speak to the seller of the plane, who was a friend of Ben's. He did pass away last year. Some things, they'll just remain a mystery, which honestly I think it probably how Ben would've wanted it. I told him that Ben was well missed over here.
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Any word on what happened to him ?
 
Ted DuPuis said:
The man I talked to asked me not to share, so I'm going to stick to my word and not share.
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I had a feeling from your wording of the post, that was the case. And sometimes that's just how it goes.

In regards to the airplane and estate stuff, I suspect Ben was in the same mindset as my dad was at that age. Not going to need to deal with it for a while but the paperwork is sitting on the desk, so to speak. Or in dad's case, literally.

We found his living will questionnaire and notes on his desk. Not filled out yet. This also matched some other hints we found that he probably knew he had a medical issue and hadn't dealt with it.

The good/bad news was that he was very clear about his wishes in person about such things all the time, so we probably wouldn't have needed the document. And nature made all the decisions on that anyway.

And once again, this whole thing makes me want to go get my will done, and once again, I probably won't. Ugh. Not such a huge deal for me, no kids. But y'all that have kids -- do it.

Of course you also have to keep it updated. We all got a chuckle out of Karen's dad's. He wrote it (he was a Probate attorney) in the years when Karen was a high schooler and her brothers are much older than her. There was specific wording that she wasn't allowed to be involved in executor decisions. Haha. Her brothers laughed and said there's no way in her family that the family wouldn't make decisions together. But legally, nope! Hahaha. (And there wasn't a significant estate anyway, plus it's paying for her mom to live in retirement. Nothing really changed.)

I do wish Ben had put the pen to paper on the airplane going to Cloud Nine. I can't think of anyone I know who'd be even close to able to dealing with that powerplant besides Ted. Granted I don't know that many people that play in that world. ;-) But Ted's background probably leads to the best possible chance that unique airframe and powerplant combo would remain flyable.

As an aside, I knew Jackson Hole was spendy, but... (low whistle)... I don't think I'll be hanging up there at any of the Buffett mega-money galas any time soon. Haha.
 
denverpilot said:
I had a feeling from your wording of the post, that was the case. And sometimes that's just how it goes.

In regards to the airplane and estate stuff, I suspect Ben was in the same mindset as my dad was at that age. Not going to need to deal with it for a while but the paperwork is sitting on the desk, so to speak. Or in dad's case, literally.

We found his living will questionnaire and notes on his desk. Not filled out yet. This also matched some other hints we found that he probably knew he had a medical issue and hadn't dealt with it.

The good/bad news was that he was very clear about his wishes in person about such things all the time, so we probably wouldn't have needed the document. And nature made all the decisions on that anyway.

And once again, this whole thing makes me want to go get my will done, and once again, I probably won't. Ugh. Not such a huge deal for me, no kids. But y'all that have kids -- do it.

Of course you also have to keep it updated. We all got a chuckle out of Karen's dad's. He wrote it (he was a Probate attorney) in the years when Karen was a high schooler and her brothers are much older than her. There was specific wording that she wasn't allowed to be involved in executor decisions. Haha. Her brothers laughed and said there's no way in her family that the family wouldn't make decisions together. But legally, nope! Hahaha. (And there wasn't a significant estate anyway, plus it's paying for her mom to live in retirement. Nothing really changed.)
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The main thing with needing to have a will in place if you have kids is if you want particular people to take care of the kids. Then at a certain point you want the kids to be the executors as they get older and then things change. My mom redid her will when she was pregnant with me. Then she redid it when I was in my late 20s (there's a whole 'nother story) which basically left me handling everything. The will from prior to my birth had my uncle taking care of everything, which is what I would have expected at that time. It also spelled out that my aunt and uncle would've gotten custody of me. Now my uncle really would be incapable of taking care of everything, and I'm an adult. And now we need to update things because we have an atypical arrangement for the kids, seeing as Laurie's parents are gone and my mom is barely capable of taking care of herself, much less our kids.

The first will I did prior to marriage and kids was also important. I had some assets that I very specifically wanted to go to friends of mine rather than family. If I died without a will in place spelling those out, I believe by default my mom would've gotten everything, which wasn't what I wanted for various reasons.

I do wish Ben had put the pen to paper on the airplane going to Cloud Nine. I can't think of anyone I know who'd be even close to able to dealing with that powerplant besides Ted. Granted I don't know that many people that play in that world. ;-) But Ted's background probably leads to the best possible chance that unique airframe and powerplant combo would remain flyable.
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I appreciate that, Nate, so do I. And honestly, I really would love the plane for many, many reasons. Practically speaking, it'd be perfect for flying in and out of our property, and fit exactly what we want. Plus having known Ben and really respected what he did would have a lot of personal meaning. I agree - the powerplant and custom work I think makes it tough to sell and to keep running. There's only one man who knew everything about that plane, and he's dead. I could and would keep it flying (I'd have some changes I'd want to make to it, too, which I think Ben would approve of).

The seller and I did, of course, chat about the plane. Suffice it to say the will did not have Cloud Nine as the recipient of the plane, and Ben had never told this gentleman (a long time friend) of that wish. I completely believe him. So I think that means Ben didn't get around to putting the pen to paper. He was a fan of Cloud Nine and what I did, he even bought the fuel for the Navajo when we came through with the 52 cats. I think he figured it would be many years off, not a year or two off. Not the first time something like that has happened, nor will it be the last.

Really the whole thing still has me a bit shocked. There was even a post last year of someone asking where Ben was, and I'd said that he said his plane was going to Cloud Nine, and I hadn't heard from his executor so I expected he was still alive. Ironically, I think it was right around the time he passed. :(
 
The wife and I went to Jackson and Yellowstone in 2013 for the first time and really loved it. We plan to go back in the next couple of years. One of the things that I had hoped to do on our next trip was to try and meet up with Ben. Though I would welcome the opportunity to meet anyone from POA, there are several that I would make an extra effort to meet. Ben was near the top of that list. Sigh.
 
He was particularly entertaining in the days when live chat was still active. He was always known as "Mr. Hot Tub" as his evening ritual appeared to be spending some quality time in the hot tub.

I know he used to build NASCAR engines. Does anyone know if he had any relation to Stuart Haas?
 
I definitely enjoyed chatting with Ben in the chat room days. "Hot tub time!" was his hallmark. Say that and he was gone.

On that note, I think I might go for some hot tub time myself.
 
I saw a post where Bens airplane was for sale, and a search here confirmed my fears.

RIP Ben, blue skies and tailwinds....
 
Man I'm very sad about this. A while back I had asked where Ben was. It seemed it was about the time POA switched over to this version and I thought maybe he had enough and took the opportunity to quit posting. He and I seemed to connect w/ our humor and I would have loved to have met Ben. So much talent and an interesting man. Farewell Ben.
 
Sac Arrow said:
I know he used to build NASCAR engines. Does anyone know if he had any relation to Stuart Haas?
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I googled Carl Haas and Start Hass and neither bio mention any brothers named Ben. Still, seems they must be related some how.
 
I was looking up some tail numbers in the N-number inquiry to see what had happened to some of them. Among those I was wondering about was N801BH:

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=801BH

It looks like they did successfully sell the airplane and get its ownership transferred to a gentleman in Texas. I assume the plane made it out of Jackson Hole at this point, whether it was flown out or made it out on a truck.

I'm happy to see that this means Ben's plane isn't going to just sit in a hangar and rot. At least, I assume not. I can't imagine someone would buy a plane like that and not fly it or otherwise take care of it. I do hope this person will keep Ben's powerplant in there and be able to keep it running.

But, I'll admit to being sad that it's not me who's its next caretaker.
 
Ted DuPuis said:
I was looking up some tail numbers in the N-number inquiry to see what had happened to some of them. Among those I was wondering about was N801BH:

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=801BH

It looks like they did successfully sell the airplane and get its ownership transferred to a gentleman in Texas. I assume the plane made it out of Jackson Hole at this point, whether it was flown out or made it out on a truck.

I'm happy to see that this means Ben's plane isn't going to just sit in a hangar and rot. At least, I assume not. I can't imagine someone would buy a plane like that and not fly it or otherwise take care of it. I do hope this person will keep Ben's powerplant in there and be able to keep it running.

But, I'll admit to being sad that it's not me who's its next caretaker.
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He’s on Facebook. Looks like a former USAF pilot.
 
ktup-flyer said:
He’s on Facebook. Looks like a former USAF pilot.
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I wasn't going to stalk him any further than just looking up the N-number inquiry, but good. Hope he flies it a lot.
 
Ted DuPuis said:
I was looking up some tail numbers in the N-number inquiry to see what had happened to some of them. Among those I was wondering about was N801BH:

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=801BH

It looks like they did successfully sell the airplane and get its ownership transferred to a gentleman in Texas. I assume the plane made it out of Jackson Hole at this point, whether it was flown out or made it out on a truck.

I'm happy to see that this means Ben's plane isn't going to just sit in a hangar and rot. At least, I assume not. I can't imagine someone would buy a plane like that and not fly it or otherwise take care of it. I do hope this person will keep Ben's powerplant in there and be able to keep it running.

But, I'll admit to being sad that it's not me who's its next caretaker.
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Ben would be happy to know his airplane and powerplant are in good hands. Thanks for sharing that, Ted!
 
ktup-flyer said:
Had to know who to buy the plane from in the future. Idk who in their right mind would pull the v8 out of that beast
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I agree. I'd hope nobody would pull the V8 out of it. Realistically, he did enough customization for it that if you pulled the V8 out of it it would be very hard to put a normal aircraft engine in again, and plus maintaining that V8 is pretty straightforward and affordable.
 
Ted DuPuis said:
I was looking up some tail numbers in the N-number inquiry to see what had happened to some of them. Among those I was wondering about was N801BH:

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=801BH

It looks like they did successfully sell the airplane and get its ownership transferred to a gentleman in Texas. I assume the plane made it out of Jackson Hole at this point, whether it was flown out or made it out on a truck.

I'm happy to see that this means Ben's plane isn't going to just sit in a hangar and rot. At least, I assume not. I can't imagine someone would buy a plane like that and not fly it or otherwise take care of it. I do hope this person will keep Ben's powerplant in there and be able to keep it running.

But, I'll admit to being sad that it's not me who's its next caretaker.
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Ted,
I found ir sad that Ben passed away but that happens to all of us eventually. Some of us meet our demise earlier than others. Mine will likely come soon.
 
Norman said:
Ted,
I found ir sad that Ben passed away but that happens to all of us eventually. Some of us meet our demise earlier than others. Mine will likely come soon.
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yup....reality.

We all will one day meet our maker. Just need to be ready....everyday.;)
 
Norman said:
Ted,
I found ir sad that Ben passed away but that happens to all of us eventually. Some of us meet our demise earlier than others. Mine will likely come soon.
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You keep looking at that porn it will! Now enough of that kind of talk Norman!
 
I missed this thread when it started. RIP, Ben.

He and I rented a plane out of Jackson Hole and I got this picture. He also gave me a taste of mountain flying. Tailwinds.
6200706481_188cf90239_z.jpg
 
Never met him in person, but he seems like a hell of a good dude, and built and very impressive aircraft.
 
Ryanb said:
That’s a depressing way to live..
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Ryan,

Perhaps your outlook has merit. I would like to live healthily into my nineties but actuarial tables that say the average life span of males it about 79 indicates otherwise.

I wish for the best but have to accept reality.

I check the local obits each morning. If idon't see my name I get up.

Some day my time will come and I have no control over that.
 
Norman said:
Ryan,

Perhaps your outlook has merit. I would like to live healthily into my nineties but actuarial tables that say the average life span of males it about 79 indicates otherwise.

I wish for the best but have to accept reality.

I check the local obits each morning. If idon't see my name I get up.

Some day my time will come and I have no control over that.
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I agree with you completely, but the statement saying that your demise will likely come soon is rather grim, as if you expect to pass-on in the near term. That sounds as though you walk around with your head down, thinking that your day is approaching anytime..

We’re all ticking time bombs, but 79 isn’t that old these days. I would imagine the metric, if recalibrated would indicate longer life spans for both male and female, than that average.

Look at life through whichever lens you wish to.
 
denverpilot said:
Makes me even more glad that it found a home. Seeing it tied down outside like that just makes me sad.
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Sad. I liked Ben, the little interaction we had on POA when I joined. Seemed we were on the same frequency. RIP Ben.
 
This thread was from May of last year btw. I do miss him though. Tried making him some crazy avatars of his plane.
 
overdrive148 said:
This thread was from May of last year btw. I do miss him though. Tried making him some crazy avatars of his plane.
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It was - I revived it because I had the new information regarding ownership of the plane.
 
Ryanb said:
I agree with you completely, but the statement saying that your demise will likely come soon is rather grim, as if you expect to pass-on in the near term. That sounds as though you walk around with your head down, thinking that your day is approaching anytime..

We’re all ticking time bombs, but 79 isn’t that old these days. I would imagine the metric, if recalibrated would indicate longer life spans for both male and female, than that average.

Look at life through whichever lens you wish to.
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79 is old. It is beyond average life expectancy. I had my two best friends die within the last two years one at 59 the other 55. Natural causes.
Owning up to your mortality is not necessarily depressing, it is being a realist. I feel sorry for people that deny their mortality and live in fear of death.
 
Paulie said:
79 is old. It is beyond average life expectancy. I had my two best friends die within the last two years one at 59 the other 55. Natural causes.
Owning up to your mortality is not necessarily depressing, it is being a realist. I feel sorry for people that deny their mortality and live in fear of death.
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Who said anything about denying mortality? I know many MANY individuals who have lived well into their mid to late 80’s, my Great Grandfather lived to 98, in fact.
 
Paulie said:
79 is old. It is beyond average life expectancy. I had my two best friends die within the last two years one at 59 the other 55. Natural causes.
Owning up to your mortality is not necessarily depressing, it is being a realist. I feel sorry for people that deny their mortality and live in fear of death.
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I don't like the idea of packing away a nestegg in hopes of retiring only to die young, or even worse, blow it all on medical issues, live a while then die young.
 
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