Originally published in 2011 By Rick Davenport Texas Transportation Institute He’s 86 years of age, still Ries a couple of times a week and he’s a proud member of the United Flying Octogenarians (UFO), which is a 600-member club of pilots over the age of 80. But Wayne Collins is much more than just an…

Originally published in 2011 TEXAS AVIATION PIONEER DIES: Leland Snow, founder and President of Air Tractor, Inc., and the inventor of modern aerial spray aircraft, died Sunday, February 20, 2011, while jogging near his home. He was 80 years old. Mr. Snow was a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in aeronautical engineering….

Originally published in 2011 By Chris Sasser Texas Transportation Institute Situated in the seemingly lonesome outposts of deep West Texas are two airports that support the local agricultural-based economies. And a visitor in the middle of the summer might be surprised to find that instead of dusty plains, lush, green fields produce prolific crops of…

Originally published in 2011 In celebration of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the aviation community proclaimed the entire week to be Women of Aviation Worldwide Week. Calhoun Air Center embraced the main goal of the event, which was to show females worldwide that they are capable of achieving their dreams; specifically, that a…

Originally published in 2011 By Chris Sasser Texas Transportation Institute A few years ago, the parcel of land wedged between the Goldthwaite golf course and two city reservoirs was an empty field. Now it’s an airport with a 3,200-foot runway, nearly complete terminal and economic benefits that are already paying off for the community. The…

Originally published in 2011 By John F. Infanger Airport Business AUSTIN, TX – In the April 2008 edition of Airport Business, we featured Ron Henriksen, a self-made millionaire and corporate pilot who decided to invest his millions into his professional and personal love – aviation. At that time, he was just finishing up his creation…

Originally published in 2011 By Judith McGinnis Wichita Falls Times Record News Leland Snow, who spent a lifetime of pursuing excellence in aeronautical engineering and supporting agriculture around the globe, died while jogging near his Wichita Falls home. Snow was 80 years old. Described by friends as unpretentious, down-to-earth and soft spoken, Snow was born…

Originally published in 2011 Since 1961, Mike Muzyczyn has been a certified A&P aircraft mechanic. On March 1, the Federal Aviation Administration (FM) recognized his 50 years of service to the aviation community with the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. The ceremony took place at Butch’s Steak House in Kingsville. But becoming the 1,498th recipient…