Foil: 7 Panel: 4 Column: 2 Line: 114

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Tom showed an early interest in airplanes while growing up during WWII. Planes were helping win the war against enemies. Tom's dad was also interested in aircraft. Tom and his dad built small balsa guilders. Later Tom built solid model planes then stick model planes. Around 11 years of age he started building U-control gas model planes with the help of his dad. He learned to fly stunt model aircraft. Later on he started a collection of plastic models from the Wright Flyer to the latest jet. He read about airplanes and learned more and more. At the age of 18 he joined the Air Force and became a jet mechanic. He worked on C-124s, C-130s and C-133 aircraft of the cargo type.

After the Air Force he spent time working with his dad in the window business. After 6 years the calling was strong again for aircraft. Tom went to Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa to get his Airframe and Powerplant license.

Tom moved to Dallas and began work with Braniff Airlines and after a short time got into Corporate aviation. He worked as a mechanic, inspector and Chief Inspector for 12 years. He worked on Gulfstream, Lear, Hawker Siddley, Lockheed Jetstars, Falcon aircraft as a mechanic and Chief Inspector. Next he moved on to KC Aviation and larger corporate facility as Chief Inspector for Service and spent 14 years with KC Aviation.

He worked at a small repair station E.U.A. and Jet Aviation short time before accepting a position with TXI Aviation, Inc. as Chief Inspector where he is employed today.

Tom always wanted to fly but chose to sail instead for the family. Tom attended the early Cleveland Air Races that fueled his interest in aviation. Tom has many photographs of aircraft covering many years and types of aircraft and several WWII prints on his office walls as well as his aviation hero Charles Lindbergh "The Dawning"