ARDELL ARFSTEN 1967 - 1986 PILOT, VICE PRESIDENT-FLIGHT OPERATIONS DEN Ardell Arfsten (former Frontier VP Flight OPerations at the close of things) has recently left the Safety Program at Amenca West to be the new VP Maintenance and Engineering. Ardell was exceptional to work with. He always seemed to know the right questions. When he became VP Fflight Ops at the Historic Frontier we had 52 grievances. That went to two immediately as we both agreed that a System Board was necessary in those instances. In 1988 he was running the simulator training at America West and, along with Boyd Stevens, hired me as an instructor. There were 23 former Frontier pilots as instructors then. Now there are four. Don Miracle, George Bilotta, Bob Fidel and me. We are all check pilots. Miracle and I are FAA-APD’s too. There are still several FAL pilots flying the line too. Anyway, AWA’s loss is the new FAL’s gain -Billy Walker (2/12/99) Hi; Ardell Arfsten here FAL employee number was 0505 would like club membership info. Was V. P. of Flight Operations when FL shutdown. Started with FL in May of 1967 thru 1983. Was based in Denver, CO entire career. Thanks, -Ardell Arfsten (4/5/03) I am a former employee of FAL, although I only worked at FAL for about 10 months I did grow with the airline. My father was also a pilot for FAL Thanks, -Ron Arfsten, Director of Flight Standards, America West Airlines (3/23/04) I'm still raising alpacas and doing consulting work. John Bartram, who was with CN and in tech services, lives over in Perkins OK. Ardell is working with the FAA in SEA. -Fred Schubel (phone call) (7/21/06) A. E. Arfsten shown in the Dec 80 - Jan 83 FL Quick Reference Directories at DEN DJ but no title shown. However the Dec 1979 has it A A Arfsten A. E. Arfston, pilot seniority date of 5/22/67, shown on the 10/28/67, 9/1/72, 9/1/81, 9/1/85 and 9/1/86 FL/ALPA seniority lists. His last name was misspelled on the seniority lists from start to finish. -Jake Lamkins (7/21/08) FLacebook: to Old Frontier Airlines To all my fellow crew members who knew the sweetest pilot, Ardell Arfsten.... to let you know he has flown west. So sad to see him go. We loved his bar-b-ques and wonderful, sweet nature. He was a joy to fly with and so kind. -Lana Kelley (6/15/16) Ardell was a favorite of mine. Sad to hear. I'll be praying for his Family. -Al Beardsley (6/15/16) And a true gentleman He was. rip.. -Ken Larason (6/15/16) There will be a celebration of life at his son Ron Arfsten's house on Saturday, June 18th at 4 pm to ? Please bring or post your stories for us. PM for the address. Posted on behalf of Pat Arfsten, Ron Arfsten, Renee Arfsten Graham and Ronda Roark (Arfsten) -Ronda Arfsten Roark (6/15/16) Another good man and fellow pilot gone West.... RIP Capt'n Ardell -Phil Stallings (6/15/16) Oh no! One of my favorite pilots! Such a nice, kind man -Patricia Williams-harter (6/15/16) Very genuine nice guy...Prayers for his family -Gretchen Densley (6/15/16) Captain Arfsten was always a pleasure to fly with. My sincere condolences to his family. Martie Palser (6/15/16) A great guy. RIP my friend -Frank Malone (6/15/16) FL Club FLight West: Ardell Arfsten DEN vp-flight operations Ardell Arfsten has flown west There will be a celebration of life at his son Ron Arfsten's house on Saturday, June 18th at 4 pm to ? Please bring or post your stories for us. PM for the address. Posted on behalf of Ron Arfsten, Renee Arfsten Graham and Ronda Roark (Arfsten) -Jake Lamkins from a post at FLacebook. (6/15/16) Dear Pat, Ron and family, We've just learned of Ardell having "Gone West." It is with the sincerest and deepest condolences that we send you our love. I wish that I had let Ardell know first-hand how much I appreciated his efforts when we worked through those dark days ending our beloved Frontier Airlines. If, someday, we meet again in that great hangar in the sky, I will let him know how much I appreciated his friendship. It was Ardell and Boyd Stevens who coaxed me into joining the AWA training department back in 1988. Another thing for me to be thankful for. I know you are working through this huge loss but you won't be alone. Ardell certainly left his mark and countless individuals are now looking back realizing what he meant to them. Unforgettable! I know Ardell will enjoy warm-soft tailwinds and a bright star to steer by on his flight west... Blue Skies & Tailwinds... -Billy Walker (6/16/16) It is with sincerity and reverent thoughts and prayers I am at a loss with the demise of Captain Ardell. As at Frontier Airlines, he was VERY supportive of my air safety dedication and projects. That and my assist to join me at the FAA in later years we became close friends as well. -Dale Buss (6/16/16) Good Mornin' Ron, Your father's passing came as a shock albeit his surviving a close one in 1987. Was this sudden? I'd been getting e-mails from him regularly until just recently. I should have known or recognized something but the days seem to fill up more being retired than when I was in the "workplace." Ardell will always hold a special place in my memory. I reckon that would be 'cause he really was "special." Please give your Mom a hug from Cheryl and me. -Billy Walker (6/17/16) Hi Billy, Yes, it was so fast it is almost surreal. In April he started saying he didn't feel good and had no energy. He of course blamed the medications he was taking so he didn't go to the doctor right away. When he finally went to the doctor and they did a couple of tests then referred him to a specialist. It took forever to get an appointment with the specialist and when we finally got an appointment we were told that Dad had Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis of the Liver. After that things really went down hill fast, he started retaining water in his mid-section. He went in twice in the last 2 weeks to have it drained, at least 4 liters each time. He had felt really bad a couple days since the middle of May but he would not go to the Emergency Room. On Monday he went in for a scheduled blood test and when leaving he said he felt really bad. He finally let Mom take to the Emergency Room, they looked at his blood test and his blood chemistry was all messed up. They admitted him immediately to ICU. I was on a trip in Orange County, I was first told he was in ICU but it was just a precaution. Three hours later I got a call that I need to get there ASAP. I got to the hospital about 1130 PM Monday, he was sitting up and talking. I stayed with him a couple of hours and he seemed to be doing okay. He kicked me out about 3:00 AM so I went home. About 700 AM I got a call to get there right away. He was essentially on life support; his liver had stopped functioning, his kidneys were failing, they were using 3 different medications to keep blood pressure up, his lungs were filling with fluid and he was on a breathing machine. The doctor told us if he came off the breathing machine and they stopped the blood pressure medication he would go. Ronda was driving up from Phoenix and had not arrived, we kept him on the meds and machine until she got there and spent time with him. About 1100 AM we changed to a DNR, they removed the breathing machine and the meds. He almost immediately went into a deep sleep, unconscious or a coma the drs were not sure. He passed away at 4:35 MDT on Tuesday afternoon. I am in shock, lost and the whole situation is just surreal. We went from him working in his shop in April and walking 3 miles a day to being diagnosed and passing so fast. I just did not realize how serious the situation was and I don't think he did either. I will give Mom a hug. Thanks again Billy. -Ron Arfsten (6/17/16) Ron, may I share this with the Frontier Family? -Billy Walker (6/17/16) He was my hero.....he could do anything and do it WELL! I will miss him. By all means, please share. I would love for everyone to get a chance to leave a message on the Guestbook. Knowing what he meant to others has helped me through the grief. -Ron Arfsten (6/17/16) Ron, your DAD and I passed, exchanged E mails 2-3 times per week. Since almost day one at the "old" FAL we grunts (lower seniority class of peoples) would pass and nod, over the years built a relationship of honor, valor, trust, dedication, and value. With a Christ centered life I could NOT ignore the impact this MAN had on the entire flight operations. After FAL I met him in Long Beach Cal as he was doing work out there, I'd just been "asked" to join the FAA by a mutual friend of ours. Shared with him the opportunity of still being able to do "good" by doing the "right" thing. At that time, I encouraged him to join me for government service. I know we both shared that philosophy. A few weeks ago I came upon an FAA safety award I'd forgotten all about. I called your DAD and said his input was as important to the five year project as my efforts and sent him copies to enjoy. I know this must be tough, but remember you have family in sunny Florida - ME!!! and what ever I can do ...call Godspeed and tailwinds... -Dale Buss (6/17/16) FLacebook: Just to let you know that we had a wonderful "Celebration of Life" for Ardell Arfsten, in Castle Rock, CO at Ardells son, Ron's house. A large turn out to celebrate his life. We all toasted with champagne at the end. When the Pastor was speaking a large eagle flew over the house heading west. What a fitting tribute to Ardell. -Lana Kelley (6/19/16) Thanks to all who came and our thoughts are with those that could not join us. Later on a couple of doves were sitting on the roof as well. -Ronda Arfsten Roark (6/19/16) A special tribute, and a special sign to a Great Captain! -Al Beardsley (6/19/16) I was so sorry I couldn't be there. Glad that it was a great turnout to celebrate a life well lived. -Joanne Griffin (6/19/16) Ardell was one of the best, great pilot and gracious gentleman. -David Cole (6/19/16) Ohhhhhhh I didn't know. Thank you for posting this. Yes he was a gracious gentleman -Patty Giordano Benton (6/19/16) Just wanted all to know that we had a wonderful "celebration of life" picnic for our dear friend Ardell Arfsten on Saturday. While the Chaplain was speaking an enormous eagle circled the house and headed west! What a beautiful moment knowing Ardell was doing his last fly by! He will be in all our hearts forever! God Speed Ardell! -Linda Adams Sciacca (6/20/16) FLacebook - FL Club FLight West: Ardell Arfsten DEN vp-flight operations Ardell Arfsten's memorial webpage is posted: http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Ardell_Arfsten.html Another eagle from the FLamily has FLown West! -Jake Lamkins (6/25/16) Thanks, Jake, for posting this wonderful tribute for Ardell and also the postings others have written for him and his family. I have to admit the tears are now rolling. -Pat Arfsten (6/25/16) You're welcome, Pat. I hope it will help you and your family in this difficult time. -Jake Lamkins (6/25/16) Thank you Jake. What a wonderful tribute. -Ronda Arfsten Roark (6/25/16) Good picture. Jon just pulled out pictures from their trip to France when they bought Airbus airplanes. Good memories. -Judy Sadler Bartram (6/25/16) Such a nice, fun guy ~ R.I.P. -Roberta Brashears (6/25/16) Thank you, this is wonderful. Miss him everyday, but he will forever be the voice in my head. -Renee Arfsten Graham (6/25/16) Judy, he talked about their trip to France a lot. -Pat Arfsten (6/25/16) A really good man. He will be missed. -Henry Rankin (6/26/16) What a class act, worked with him briefly in pilot payroll, true gentleman. -Jeanne Hanson (1/24/20) Good guy and good friend. -Judy Sadler Bartram (1/25/20) May He Rest In Peace. -Ginger Treptow (1/25/20) They made very few like this gentleman! -George Fay (1/25/20) Good man ... RIP Cap -Phil Stallings (1/26/20) Pat Arfsten on 6/25/21 Posted a weblink at FLacebook DEN vp-flight operations Ardell Arfsten's memorial webpage is posted: http://FAL-1.tripod.com/Ardell_Arfsten.html Another eagle from the FLamily has FLown West! Chris Hussey I miss him so big. Rose Mary Barretta Best friend and boss I’ve ever had. Kim Taylor He was a wonderful man Rachel Weatherly God I still miss him so much. Love you gram. Judy Sadler Bartram Good guy and friend! Love you! Gary Sanburg Great guy Ardell was. (6/27/21) Tom Wiggin Ardell took me through my initial training at Frontier. Such a patient fine gentleman and excellent aviator. (8/27/21)