Jack Hammond, Long-time Leader in Aviation Fuels, Dies

Jack Hammond, an industry stalwart who drove numerous market and safety innovations in the aviation fuels business, died on June 4 at his home in Upper Michigan. Hammond had a 34-year career with Phillips 66 and led aviation sales for more than a decade.

During his time with Phillips he brought a number of firsts to the general aviation industry, including an aviation fuel safety program that focused on proper ways to store fuel and daily checks and balances at the fuel farm. Other safety initiatives included training for all facets of handling aircraft and procedures for fueling aircraft.  

He also led the creation, marketing and handling of pre-blended jet fuel and launched the Phillips 66 Flying Salesman Program. Under this program, all Phillips 66 sales personal had their own aircraft and flew directly to customers. From a broader industry standpoint, Hammond helped the Experimental Aircraft Association establish the Young Eagles Program, providing financial backing.

Hammond, who earned his pilot certificate in 1954, joined Phillips 66 in 1960 and moved into aviation product sales in 1962. One of two rated pilots early on in the company’s aviation division, he opened a number of market areas for Phillips 66 as a “Flying Salesman.” Hammond was promoted to assistant manager of aviation sales and product manager before taking over as manager of aviation sales in 1983. After retiring from Phillips in 1994, he split time between his homes in Upper Michigan and Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Hammond is survived by his wife Patricia and sons Scott and Kent. A memorial service is planned for July 6 in Phelps, Wisconsin.