Aviation Research

Texas Aviation Advisory Committee

New Texas Aviation Advisory Committee Members Appointed

Three new members of the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee were recently appointed by the Texas Transportation Commission. The Texas Aviation Advisory Committee provides input to TxDOT on its aviation development programs and serves as the representative among aviation users. Committee members also work with members of the Texas Legislature on various aviation issues.

Bob McCreery

Bob McCreery has served as the General Manager of McCreery Aviation for 39 years. McCreery Aviation is a 72-year old full-service, family-owned fixed-base operation at the McAllen Miller International Airport. The company offers services in aircraft refueling, maintenance, parts, avionics, air charter, air ambulance, aircraft sales and flight training. Mr. McCreery is a licensed pilot and lives in McAllen.

Justine Ruff

Justine Ruff is a 1990 graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Business Administration. She has been the Director of Airports for the City of Midland since 2015 and is directly responsible for the operation of Midland International Air and Space Port and Midland Airpark. Prior to assuming the position of director, she was employed for over 20 years with 12 years as deputy director. She lives in Midland.

Robert Dixon Tips

Robert Dixon Tips, also known as Dick, serves as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Mission Park Funeral Chapels and Cemeteries. For the past four decades, Mr. Tips has devoted himself to building one of the leading family-owned funeral companies in Texas. He is a member of Texas Cemeteries Association and is one of San Antonio’s most recognized business leaders. Mr. Tips attended the University of Texas in Austin.

Texas Aviation Advisory Committee Provides Guidance, Leadership

The Texas Aviation Advisory Committee at TxDOT Flight Services

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.

Wingtips Profiles Aviation Advisory Committee Member Michael Schnell

This is one of a continuing series of profiles featuring 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 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.

 

New Texas Aviation Advisory Committee member Michael Schnell standing next to the Major Samuel B. Cornelius Field memorial.

New Texas Aviation Advisory Committee member Michael Schnell standing next to the Major Samuel B. Cornelius
Field memorial.

Everyone has a passion for something, especially, perhaps, in the Texas Panhandle. Mike Schnell of Spearman, Texas —the newest member of the TxDOT Aviation Advisory Committee —has three. In no particular order, the things that motivate Schnell include flying, public service and making sure we never forget the sacrifices that were made by our war heroes.

Those first two passions are engrained in who he is. As chairman and CEO of First State Bank of Spearman, Schnell often flies to other parts of the state for business. It makes sense, considering he can be in just about any Texas city in 90 minutes, thanks to his Cessna Conquest. His public service includes 25 years on the Spearman Airport Board and his contributions as a Spearman City Councilmember.

But that third passion — recognizing our war heroes — has become a lot more personal.

“When I was off at college in 1973, at the tail end of the Vietnam War, my mom called and told me that our family friend had been shot down and was missing in action,” Schnell recalls. “It’s been over 40 years ago, but I’ve always remembered Sam Cornelius’ sacrifice.”

Several years ago, Schnell figured out a way to make sure the people of Spearman could honor Cornelius. With Spearman City Council approval, Schnell began the Federal Aviation Administration paperwork to have the municipal airport renamed. In 2009, the Spearman Airport was officially changed to Major Samuel B. Cornelius Field.

“Sam was a local hero. He was a star Spearman High School football player who earned a scholarship to Texas Tech. He was recruited by the pros, but instead joined the Air Force and became a pilot,” Schnell says. “In his third tour of duty, he was shot down in his F-4 Phantom Jet over Cambodia after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords. His remains have never been recovered. We lost a great one. And he was only 30.”

Shortly after the airport was renamed, a local boy — as part of his Eagle Scout project – raised enough money to build a granite monument in honor of Cornelius.

“With community support, we made sure Spearman will always remember,” Schnell says. “I would urge other communities across Texas to do what we did. There are so many local heroes out there that time has forgotten.”

Wingtips: What was it about aviation that interested you?
Schnell: Growing up in the late 50’s and early 60’s, I was always impressed with the stories of bravery exhibited by our airmen in World War II.  Not just the pilots but the aircrews also.  I was fascinated with all of the WWII aircraft, especially the fighters.  I suppose it was the dream of flying a fighter someday that always kept me interested in aviation.  I did finally own a 1942 AT-6D; not a fighter but the next best thing.

Wingtips: What was your motivation in accepting the appointment on the Texas Aviation Advisory Commission?
Schnell: To assist, however possible, in the promotion and advancement of general aviation in Texas, whether on a local level or through my elected officials.

Wingtips: Even though you are new to the advisory committee, are there any specific goals you would like to accomplish?
Schnell: I believe Dave Fulton and his staff at TxDOT Aviation have done an amazing job of rehabilitating our Texas airports to the point of being the envy of many states.  That being said, I do believe that many veteran pilots or crew could be honored by their communities by renaming a local airport in their memory.  Lest we forget their sacrifice.

Wingtips: What are the biggest challenges for general aviation (GA)?
Schnell: I believe that one of the biggest challenges facing GA today is the stigma placed on it by many of our elected federal officials.  When corporate aviation departments began shutting down after the automaker debacle, tens of thousands of workers lost their jobs nationwide.  Corporate aviation should be viewed as the job creator it is rather than the luxury many people believe it to be.  Also, the FAA certification process for aircraft and more especially avionics and powerplants, has hampered modernization of our GA fleet with the exception of “experimental” aircraft which seem to be on the cutting edge of technology, and at a more affordable price.

Wingtips:  What would you like the public to know about general aviation in Texas and why non-pilots should care about it?
Schnell: As most successful business people know, time really is money.  With Texas being the 2nd largest state and having only 27 airports served by scheduled air service (their schedule not yours), GA becomes even more necessary to any growing community.  A quality airport is a sign of a progressive and forward thinking community.