Bernard "Bemie" Fourrier was bom in 1956 in Abidjan, Cote D'lvoire, Africa of French ancestry. His father worked for air carriers so his roots and passion for aviation began at an early age. Mr. Fourrier was schooled in France and obtained his private pilot's license in 1974 at the age of 18 (prior to obtaining a driver's license). In 1975 he began his career with Air France and received his Mechanic's License; the following year he received his Flight Engineer's License.

Mr. Fourrier worked with UTA/Atlantic Aviation Service as a Flight Engineer for seven years flying Boeing 707s and 727s, and DC8s for VlPs.

Mr. Fourrier moved to the United States in 1986 and worked for Jet America (now Alaska Airlines) and obtained both his Fight Engineer's License and Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License that same year. In 1987 Mr. Fourrier began his own business, Aero Sky, to develop and produce a re-engine program for Boeing 707 aircraft with a JT8-200 engine. He worked on this program until 1992 when several larger companies took over who had the funding necessary to continue.

Mr. Fourrier also began a FAA125 Charter Cargo Operation in 1988. His operation included three OC-3s. He surrendered his certificate in Nevada the following year and moved his business to San Antonio, Texas.

Mr. Fourrier leased a hangar at the San Antonio International Airport in 1995 and began a FAA certified 145 Repair Station. His business grew from a one-man operation performing line maintenance for carriers such as Delta Air Line, DHL and America West, to the present operation with 65 employees. Although during the past 8-1/2 years there have been several trials and tribulations, his operation has expanded to include heavy maintenance checks for B727/B737/DC9/MD80, installation of modifications and STCs, airframe, powerplant and avionics trouble-shooting and repairs, cosmetic and sheet metal repairs, VIP modifications and auxiliary fuel STCs. Aero Sky has the technology to remove, refurbish, modify and reinstall executive interiors in part or totally, to upgrade aircraft electronics/avionics and to install state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

Bemie's perseverance, dedication and love of aviation can be seen every day by his fellow colleagues, customers, employees, friends and family through his enthusiasm when talking about aviation and by working on the planes on a daily basis right along with his employees. The customers like the fact that Bemie knows the aircraft inside and out and he provides personal attention to them. Aero Sky's customer base is built by word of mouth -- there is no marketing department. The employees like having Bemie working alongside them also. He has had a major impact on many of them.

Mr. Fourrier plans to expand his current operation in the next few months to include a new state-of-the-art facility to house at least four Boeing 727 aircraft. Mr. Fourrier is a true entrepreneur in that no matter what comes before him he tackles the job. He loves a challenge on the aircraft and will troubleshoot until the problem has been corrected. Bemie will continue doing what he loves until the good Lord lets him fly in heaven!