The Texas Aviation Advisory Committee. (L-R) Gordon Richardson, Peter Huff, James Schwertner, Michael Collier, Michael Schnell and John White.
The Texas Aviation Advisory Committee provides input to TxDOT on its aviation development programs and serves as its representative among aviation users. Committee members also work with members of the Texas Legislature on various aviation issues.
The current members of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee include:
- James Schwertner, Chairman
- Peter C. Huff, Vice Chairman
- Gordon B. Richardson
- Michael L. Collier
- Michael Schnell
- John V. White
James Schwertner, Chairman
James Schwertner is a graduate of Texas Tech University. In 1974 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. Schwertner is president and chief executive officer of Capitol Land & Livestock and chairman of the Board of Schwertner State Bank. He is an airplane and helicopter pilot and holds the Aviation World Speed Record (Piper Navajo). In 2015 he was awarded the Texas Aviator or the Year Award.
Peter C. Huff, Vice Chairman
Peter C. Huff is an accomplished general aviation pilot holding a Commercial Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating. He is a graduate of Rice University with bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts and engineering. After graduating from Harvard Business School in 1962, he returned to Texas to build his own engineering and manufacturing company. After 36 years, he sold DYNAMCO to a New York Stock Exchange company and now serves the people in his community and in Texas.
Gordon B. Richardson
Gordon B. Richardson, of Caldwell, Texas, began his career as an insurance agent, establishing a business in 1967. He has achieved Chartered Life Underwriter and Accredited Estate Planner designations as well as numerous insurance industry awards. Richardson’s aviation career began in 1971 as a pilot and includes service as a member of the Seaplane Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association Warbird Community, the Commemorative Air Force and flying vintage aircraft with 3,000 hours as a pilot.
Michael L. Collier
Michael L. Collier is a graduate of Baylor University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a private pilot certificate. Collier enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard and was eventually promoted to company commander before his retirement from the military.
Michael Schnell
Michael Schnell is a 1975 graduate of Southern Methodist University and serves as chairman and CEO of First State Bank in Spearman, Texas. His public service extends to many local civic and charitable organizations including over 25 years on the Spearman Airport Board, serving as its chairman for the last ten. He is also serving in his third term on the Spearman City Council.
John V. White
John V. White is the retired vice president of aviation at Valero. He holds an Air Transport Pilot License (ATP) with nine type ratings, a Commercial Glider License and an Airframe and Power plant Mechanic license (A&P). White has more than 17,000 flight hours over 46 years and has landed in all fifty states and on five continents.