Over the next several issues, Wingtips will profile the members of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee. The six members are appointed by the Texas Transportation Commission for six-year terms and assist the Texas Department of Transportation with its aviation development programs. Committee members also work with members of the legislature on various aviation issues. Members must have at least five years of experience in the field of aviation and a strong interest in supporting Texas’ general aviation program.
In this issue, we profile Chairman James E. Schwertner.
Jim Schwertner was exposed to flying at a young age when he accompanied his father on business trips aboard a private plane. Although his father was not a pilot, he nevertheless encouraged Jim to start taking flying lessons at age 14. Schwertner completed his first solo at 16, and by 1968, he was a licensed pilot. He eventually was able to fly his father to meetings for the family’s cattle business. In 1987, he established the Aviation World Speed Record in a Piper Navajo, a record that still stands today.
Although Schwertner struggled between staying in his family’s cattle business or becoming a professional pilot, the family business won out. His decision was partly influenced by his family’s long and distinguished history of working in agriculture. His great-great-grandfather came to Central Texas from Germany in 1875. He began farming the dark, fertile soil six miles east of Jarrell, growing corn, cotton and milo. Named after his ancestors, Schwertner, Texas, is still home to the family’s farm, which is now 18,000 acres. After making his decision to pursue the family business, Schwertner attended Texas Tech University and, in 1975, he received a bachelor’s of science degree in agriculture economics.
Jim’s father began a cattle business in 1946, becoming the largest livestock dealer in the nation. Jim Schwertner is now president and CEO of both Capital Land and Livestock and Schwertner Farms, Inc. His family is also in the banking business. He is the chairman of the board of Schwertner State Bank and the past chairman of the board of Cattleman’s State Bank in Austin.
Despite his occupational choice years earlier, Schwertner’s love for flying never faded. He pilots his own Gulfstream Turbo Commander and Robinson R-44 helicopter. It’s his love for aviation that prompted him to accept an appointment on the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee in 2002, becoming chairman last year. His current six-year term ends on August 31 .
Wingtips: Judging from your bio, it does not seem like you have a lot of free time. What was your motivation in accepting the appointment on the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee?
Jim Schwertner: My father taught me at a very young age how important aviation was to business. Since then, I have always had a passion for aviation. So, I was honored to be recommended to this committee by Governor Rick Perry.
Wingtips: Was there a memorable experience that you can share that occurred during your term?
Jim Schwertner: Personally, I have been amazed at how hard the TxDOT Aviation Division staff works to meet the demands of all the airports and communities in Texas. They are available at a moment’s notice to meet every airport manager’s needs. It has been rewarding to work with Dave Fulton and his staff. These folks work tirelessly everyday to ensure Texas spends its money wisely. Having the best airport system in the nation is the result of their work. It has been very satisfying to be a part of this major undertaking.
Wingtips: What are the biggest challenges you see for general aviation going forward?
Jim Schwertner: User fees are going to be the biggest challenge we face in the years to come. General aviation already pays its fair share of the cost to support the aviation system through fuel taxes.
Wingtips: What would you like the public to know about general aviation in Texas and why non-pilots should care about it?
Jim Schwertner: Aviation in Texas provides more than 61,000 jobs with $8.7 billion in economic output each year. We are a big state, so traveling long distances is a requirement in order to conduct business. Every community in the state is a beneficiary of the state’s general aviation network. The citizens of Texas should always support aviation to ensure we will always have a strong economy.
