Crew Chief for 36 aviation world records and a craftsman in composites, Gary Hunter has made his mark in general aviation. An expert in resins, Hunter is known among homebuilders as the "Glass Master" and his custom drag reduction modifications (made of fiberglass and carbon fiber) have raised the standards for homebuilt aircraft.
Gary learned the basics of fiberglass as a boy working with his father, building racing boats in New Jersey. He expanded his knowledge of resins working in the Shell Chemical lab for 30 years and now designs compounds for composites & epoxy coatings for International Paint. Hunter first brought his skills to general aviation when he built his own experimental aircraft, a Vari-Eze named "Cupcake" (after one of his dad's race boats). "Cupcake" flew its maiden flight in 1984 out of Wharton, Texas.
In 1991 Gary joined the Race 89 team as Crew Chief on Bruce Bohannon's Formula One race plane, "Pushy Galore". "Pushy" was an all-composite aircraft and Gary's expertise proved invaluable during its racing and record setting career. Over a 10-year period, "Pushy Galore" set 6 world records, 3 of which still stand. It was the first plane in its weight class (C-1 .a) to establish a time to climb to 9,000 meters record.
"Pushy" was retired in 1998 to the Experimental Aircraft Association Museum in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin. Gary moved on as Crew Chief of Bohannon's new record-setter, "The Exxon Flyin' Tiger", introduced in 1999. As of January 2006, The Tiger has set 30 world records for time to climb and altitude. Hunter's carbon fiber work on the Tiger has earned him nationwide recognition. A consummate perfectionist, his aircraft mods are lightweight, efficient and aesthetically beautiful. Gary is a popular technical counselor and speaker at homebuilders' forums around the country.
Born December 27, 1955, Gary Hunter now lives with his wife in Houston, Texas. An active EAA member, he served as President of EAA Chapter #774 in Brookshire, TX and shares his love of aviation by flying "Young Eagles" in his Vari-Eze.