Troubled times continue at Commander Aircraft Co., as the Bethany, Okla.-based company is set to be liquidated. After two failed attempts to find saviors for the bankrupt company, Commander’s December 2002 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing has been converted to a Chapter 7 filing by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware. All operations at the company […]
Mooney’s new CEO to highlight Women in Aviation conference
If there is one constant in aviation, it is that the industry is constantly evolving. The evolution covers not only aircraft and engine design, but also the people who run the businesses. Gretchen Jahn, the CEO of Mooney Airplane Co., is a good example. Jahn, who joined the Kerrville, Texas-based company in late 2004, is […]
Aviat improves on its Husky
The Aviat Husky is known for its STOL capability and nimble handling. How could anyone improve on that? By changing the aileron and flaps on the aircraft, says Stu Horn, owner of Aviat Husky, Inc. The first thing Husky fans will notice, says Horn, is that the spade that hung off the wing has been […]
Developer sets sights on Pine Mountain Airport
Officials in Harris County, Georgia, are in a quandary. A developer of a resort hotel — essential, they say, to the success of the county’s main tourist attraction, Callaway Gardens — wants to close Pine Mountain Airport (PIM). But county officials — and the FAA — want the airport to stay open. The airport, Callaway […]
WASP Marianne Beard Nutt dies at 84
Marianne Beard Nutt, a member of the WASP class of 1943, died Jan. 16. She was 84. Born in 1920, Nutt developed a passion for aviation at the tender age of 7 after seeing Amelia Earhart in her Beech. Although her family did not have the money for flying lessons and she was told girls […]
Premier Air Center acquires West Star Aviation and Avionics
EAST ALTON, Ill. — Premier Air Center at St. Louis Regional Airport (KALN) has acquired West Star Aviation, an FBO in Grand Junction, Colo., and West Star Avionics of Hiawatha, Iowa. 800-922-2421.
Atlantic Aviation takes over two California FBOs
DALLAS — Atlantic Aviation has acquired FBOs at two California airports: John Wayne Airport in Orange County and Palm Springs International Airport. Atlantic now has 12 locations, including FBOs in New Orleans, Long island, Teterboro, Houston and Philadelphia.
Wilson Air Center adds Charlotte location
MEMPHIS — Wilson Air Center is set to open a second location at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT). Wilson Air will operate from the former Signature location on the field. In an agreement between Charlotte/Douglas International Airport and Wilson Air Center, the airport retains ownership of the facilities, but Wilson Air Center will run the day-to-day […]
Employees take over Muncie Aviation Co.
MUNCIE, Ind. — The employees of Muncie Aviation Co. have purchased the company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The Delaware County Airport FBO, which has 60 employees, is one of the oldest distributors of Piper aircraft. It is also a Socata distributor. 800-289-7141.