our biggest event of the year
Beech Party
Join us for the Beechcraft Heritage Museum’s biggest event of the year – Beech Party! A fly-in like no other with amazing educators, pilots, and an array of vintage & modern aircraft.
October 17th - 19th, 2024
Museum Members | $45/day
Aviation Affiliated Members | $50/day
Guests | $55/day
Youth 18 & Under| $25/day
Children 11 & Under | Free
Every pilot, person, educator & enthusiast is welcome to Beech Party!
Beech Party is the Beechcraft Heritage’s Museum annual event welcoming pilots and aviation enthusiasts from all across the globe. It is a family atmosphere with rare aircraft and renowned technical and historical experts. 2023 was a banner year with a 140+ aircraft ranging from Staggerwing’s, Beech 18’s, Baron’s, Bonanza’s, King Air, Queen Air, Musketeer, Sierra, Sundowner’s, Cessna’s and many other variety aircraft. Everyone and any type aircraft is welcome!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there camping available?
Yes, we have the following options:
- (8) RV Hookups (two 50 amp and six 30 amp): $50/night by RESERVATION.
- RV Dry Camping: $30/night
- Tent Camping: $30/night
- We have (4) brand new Conestoga Private Showerhouse & Restrooms, along with portable showers and restrooms onsite during Beech Party
Are there any discounts?
Yes, if you fully register all three days and all catered meals (3 lunches and 3 dinners) before September 1, 2024, there is a 10% discount.
What are the catered meals?
Thursday Lunch ~ $27.00/person at the Cianchette Hangar – 12:00 PM
Soup & Sandwich including roasted turkey, homemade chicken salad, vegetarian wrap with roasted zucchini and hummus served with sour dough bread and croissant along with condiments and cheese tray. Choice of Tomato Basil or Broccoli Cheddar soups served with fresh fruit in lime dressing, chips and double chocolate brownies & sugar cook- ies. Served with fresh brewed sweet and unsweet tea.
Thursday Dinner ~ $45/person at the Parish Home “The Barn” – 6:30 PM
Hickory Smoked pulled Pork served with homemade BBQ sauce; Roasted Chicken served with homemade white BBQ white sauce; three bean baked Beans; Corn cas- serole; Southern style potato salad and cole slaw, cucumber shell pasta salad, served with all time favorite cornbread with Jack Daniel Honey Butter finished off with Peach Cobbler, Pecan Pie with Jack Daniel whipped cream, with and fresh brewed sweet/unsweet tea and homemade lemonade.
Friday Lunch ~ $27.00/person at the Cianchette Hangar – 12:00 PM
Grilled on-site Hamburgers & Brats with traditional condiments; lettuce, tomato slices, pickle & onion slices; Hawaiian baked beans; potato salad; assorted chips served with a tray of homemade chocolate trifle and banana cream pie. Served with freshly brewed sweet and unsweet iced tea.
Friday Dinner ~ $45/person at the Cianchette Hangar – 6:30 PM
Roasted turkey, honey baked ham served with cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, homemade cranberry sauce, green beans with shallots, home-style mashed potatoes, three cheese mac- aroni & cheese bake, glazed carrots served with pop over rolls. Cake and ice cream for dessert with freshly brewed sweet and unsweet iced tea.
Saturday Lunch ~ $27.00/person at the Cianchette Hangar – 12:00 PM
Soup & Sandwich including roast beef, homemade pimento cheese & hummus with sour dough and croissants, served with condiments including horseradish cream with cheddar and swiss cheese. Soup selection is herb blended potato and tomato soup, served with fresh fruit bowl, chips and pecan tassies and choc- olate chip cookies. Served with freshly brewed sweet and unsweet tea.
Saturday Dinner ~ $45/person Cianchette Hangar – 6:30 PM
Chili and baked potato bar with all the delicious toppings of cheddar cheese, sour cream, scallions, hot sauce, crack- ers and fritos. Mixed green salad with a choice of dressing with double choc- olate cake and cookie tray. Served with freshly brewed sweet and unsweet tea.
Is the Museum open during Beech Party?
No, the museum is closed to the public and open to registered Beech Party guests only.
Are you pet friendly?
Yes. We do ask that all pets be on a leash at all times, dining areas are not pet friendly, and pet owners are responsible for picking up after their furry friends.
Do you recommend rental car resources?
U-Save Rental Car 931-455-6066 and ask for Sonya Bryant.
We ask that you reserve rental cars through this preferred vendor. If you should book with Enterprise, please call the Tullahoma location 931.455.2511 and have them deliver your automobile to the museum and NOT to the FBO Tullahoma Regional Airport.
What is included in my daily ticket?
Full access to the flight line, all seminars, complimentary sodas & waters, free parking, and full access to the event campus. Catered meals are additional.
Are meals included?
On-site catered meals are available at an additional charge of:
- Lunch: $25
- Dinner $45
- Advanced registration for catered meals is REQUIRED.
We will have food trucks on-site all three days of the event.
Do you recommend any local hotel accommodations?
HOTEL INFORMATION: All guests must book their hotel rooms as soon as possible. They book up quickly!
- Signature Hotel – Holiday Inn Express Tullahoma 931-222-1414 ($140/night – Booking Code: BeechParty24)
- Cascade Hollow Lodge – Normandy 931-842-8202
- Best Western, Winchester, TN – Room Block link: https://www.bestwestern.com/
en_US/book/hotel-rooms.43144. html?groupId=S77FM4V7 or call the hotel directly and speak to someone at the front desk to reserve a room at this rate: $105.00/night 931-967-9444 - Grand Lux Inn – Tullahoma 931-461-9995
- Lynchburg Valley Inn – 615-714-8353
- Mulberry Lavender Farm B&B 928-442-3817
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Manchester 931-728-9383
- Airbnb “The Barn @ Dreamcatcher Farm
- Quality Inn – Tullahoma – 931-455-4501
- Hampton Inn – Tullahoma – 931-461-5222
What are the rates to attend Beech Party?
- Museum Members: $45/day
- Aviation Affiliates: $50/day
- Aviation Affiliate is membership in AOPA, EAA, ABS, Staggerwing Club, etc
- Non-Members or Non-Aviation Affiliates: $55/day
- Youth (Ages 18 & Under): $25/day
- Children (Ages 11 & under): FREE
Is my registration Refundable?
All registrations cancelled by September 15, 2024 are fully refundable. Regretfully, due to fixed event costs and prepaid catering, no refunds after September 15, 2024.
Platinum Sponsors
Premier Sponsors
Meal & Libation Sponsors
Seminar Sponsors
Exhibitors of Beech Party
Beech Party | 2024 Speakers
American Bonanza Society, executive director
Beth Barberee
Speaker Bio
Beth Barberree is a new kid to the Beechcraft family, joining the American
Bonanza Society (ABS) in July as its new Executive Director.
Ms. Barberree brings nearly 30 years of Board, business, and senior association
management experience to the role, along with a master’s degree in organizational leadership. With a proven track record making dramatic impact with nonprofits looking to reach the next level of fulfilling their missions, Beth is excited to help the ABS find balance between honoring its history and committing to a productive and sustainable future.
Beth recalls fondly flying with her father in small airplanes as a girl. Now residing
in Wichita, Kansas, her husband and she are enjoying the much milder temperatures there than in their native Canada.
Former President, Beech Aircraft Corporation
Jack Braly
Speaker Bio
In 1978 Mr. Braly joined Beech Aircraft as Plant Manager, producing single and twin-engine piston-powered aircraft. He held positions of increasing responsibility at Beech, including VP of Production, Manufacturing, Sr. VP of Operations, and President in 1990. Mr. Braly currently serves on the Museum’s Board of Trustees and holds an MS in Physics from Colorado State University. Mr. Braly is an active, multiengine & instrumented-rated pilot with over 4,300+ hours as a pilot in command.
celebrated aviation trailblazer
Capt. Julie E. Clark
Speaker Bio
Captain Julie E. Clark is a celebrated aviation trailblazer who has made a significant impact on the industry as both a commercial airline pilot and an airshow performer. Starting her flying career in the late 1960s, Clark was among the first female airline pilots in the United States, a
time when the profession as overwhelmingly male dominated.
After beginning her flying journey in her teens, Clark’s passion for aviation propelled her through the ranks, and she eventually became a retired airline captain, after having become one of the first women to fly for a major airline and overcoming the gender barriers of her time. Her commercial flying career spanned over four decades. during which she became known for her professionalism, skill, and dedication to safety.
Parallel to her airline career, Julie Clark has an impressive tenure of over 40 years in the airshow circuit. She is renowned for her aerobatic performances, particularly flying her beloved T-34 Mentor, which she
restored and maintains. Clark’s airshow displays have thrilled audiences across the country with precision flying, often choreographed to patriotic music, showcasing her deep love for aviation
and her country. She has amassed over 34,000 hours of flight time, with over 11,000 hours and 9 engines in her T-34.
Clark’s contributions to aviation have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including 3 Aviation Halls of Fame and the Sword of Excellence Awards, reflecting her status as a role model and pioneer for women in aviation. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers, inspiring
the next generation of pilots, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of flight.
Fly clean nashville owner
Gracie Hayes
Speaker Bio
Gracie Hayes is the owner of Fly Clean Nashville, a flourishing aircraft detailing
company that has served many private owners and corporate clients in Tennessee
since 2017. Gracie is a Nashville native and earned her Master of Business
Administration from TSU. Her aviation journey began when she took a position as the Business Development Manager of a flight school located at John C. Tune airport. She later served as the Operations Manager for an aircraft sales and management company before making the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. In addition to detailing planes and running her company, she enjoys immersing herself in the world of business aviation by writing about aviation-related topics and spending time at various airports meeting new people.
second generation aviatrix
Gayle Gorman Green
Speaker Bio
Gayle Gorman Green is a second generation aviatrix who currently holds a commercial pilot’s license; with fixed wing, helicopter, glider, instrument, seaplane, and tailwheel endorsement.
Gayle was just awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award by the FAA. She is the retired President of Manairco, Inc., who manufactures airport & heliport lighting.
Gayle is an active member of all of the Ohio Ninety Nines: International Organization of Women Pilots; the Mansfield Aviation Club; the International Association of Women Helicopter Pilots (Whirly Girl #293) and a volunteer pilot for PALS (Patient Airlift Services) and for Young Eagles (flown over 400 children).
Manager of Stetson Aviation, Inc.
Emily Hyde
Speaker Bio
Emily Hyde received her bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, with a minor in
business administration, from Texas State University. She spent 16 years in the fashion industry before finding her true calling in general aviation. She is currently the Manager of Stetson Aviation, Inc., a company that has been owned and operated by her family for over 40 years. Although she grew up in aviation – she literally learned to drive by driving up and down the runway in her dads Buick – she only began her full-time career in aviation in 2017. She earned her private pilot’s license in 2014, her instrument rating
in 2022 and is looking forward to adding her commercial rating. She enjoys flying as
much as she can, whether it’s taking her nieces up in the Cessna 182, flying with her
father in his turboprop Bonanza or working on maintaining tailwheel proficiency in the
family’s Just Aircraft SuperSTOL. Outside of flying, Emily enjoys spending time with
friends and family and serving as Chairman of the Missions Committee at her church.
She recently accepted the position as Chairperson of the newly formed Task Force Future 49 Committee at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, and is looking forward to working with the aviation community to ensure the future success of the Museum.
President, Beech Aero Club
Jeff Knight
Speaker Bio
Jeff Knight was born in Chatham, Ontario, Canada in 1958. He joined the Canadian Army in the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers in September 1977. In 1992 Jeff was commissioned from the ranks, becoming an Electrical Mechanical Engineering Officer. He completed his last years as the Officer Commanding RCEME Squadron at 4 Wing Cold Lake, retiring in 2005 after 28 years of service.
In July 2005, Jeff accepted a position at 4 Wing Cold Lake under contract to the military, providing training to Canada’s fighter force in the CF-18 flight simulator. In August 2020, Jeff retired for the second time after 43 years of continuous service, both in and out of uniform, with the Department of National Defence.
Jeff began his flying career in June 1974 and has flown from coast to coast to coast in Canada and many areas of the USA, including several trips to the Beechcraft Heritage Museum.
Jeff first joined the Beech Aero Club in 2007 to help find the maintenance information and operating techniques he needed to help him get the most out of his Beech Aero Centre aircraft. In 2021, Jeff was elected President of the Beech Aero Club, the position he still holds today. Jeff’s goal is to provide, through the Beech Aero Club, access to the most current maintenance and operational techniques for all Beech Aero Centre aircraft pilots and their “Baby Beech’s’. Through presentations like “The Mouse Hunt,” owners and pilots within and without the Club will be brought together to share information that will keep our aircraft serviceable and our piloting skills sharp for many years.
GM & VP, Sensenich Propeller Service, Inc.
Dan Landis
Speaker Bio
Dan Landis is The General Manager and Vice President of Sensenich Propeller Service, Inc. in Gainesville, GA. His goal is to have a quality product and stellar customer service.
Dan has over 30 years of aviation experience which started in the Navy as an Airman stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA and onboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Forrestal (CVA-59).
Following his service in the military, Dan attended The Upper Bucks Aviation Technical School in Quakertown, PA and received his certification as an A & P Mechanic. He was hired by US Airways in Salisbury, MD where he worked from 1994-1996 as a mechanic. In 1996, he was
hired by Sensenich Propeller in Lititz, PA. Subsequently, he moved to Georgia where he currently is the General Manger of that facility and The Vice President of the company.
Dan currently holds his certificate as an A & P Mechanic and a Repairman. He attends training courses given by Hartzell Propeller, McCauley Propeller, and MT Propeller, and is a member of
the NAAA.
Dan likes to spend time with his family, attend airshows, and is an avid golfer.
Owner, Forge Flightworks
Mark Lee
Speaker Bio
Mark Lee is CEO and owner at Forge Flightworks, an avionics services company located in greater Nashville, TN, that he acquired in late 2014. In his role as CEO, Mark is responsible for the overall operation of the company. Mark’s career spans telecom, software and aviation. He worked in planning, strategy and product marketing for Nortel Networks. He worked in product management and product planning at Microsoft for several years. Since 2007, Mark has worked in a variety of leadership roles in aviation. First at Diamond Aircraft as a Director of Marketing and Sales, then Aspen Avionics as VP of Business Development, and then at HondaAircraft, where he led marketing for the HondaJet. Mark earned his MBA with Marketing emphasis from Vanderbilt University, and his BA in Broadcasting from Western Kentucky University. Born and raised in Kentucky, Mark and his wife, Debbie, now reside in the greater Nashville, TN area.
ABOUT FORGE FLIGHTWORKS
Forge Flightworks, formerly known as Carpenter Avionics, the largest avionics service center in the MidSouth, is a national award-winning, FAA Authorized Repair Station that’s a one-stop-shop service center providing sales, installation, maintenance and repair of avionics, aircraft interiors, airframe and engine systems for business jets, turboprops, piston engine airplanes and helicopters of all ages. Forge offers a complete product line-up authorized by every major brand. Forge is exceptionally capable, and has an unwavering, high-integrity commitment to customer satisfaction.
Steward, Beechcraft Heritage Museum
Carl Marciniak
Speaker Bio
Carl Marciniak is our Museum Steward since 2012. When he moved from Maine to Tullahoma he sighted the Staggewings flying over during Beech Party 2011. He visited the Museum and noted a T34 sitting on a pallet in the Cianchette hangar and offered to help put it together. One might ask how he had the knowledge to volunteer for such a task. Carl is a United States Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer, Retired after 24 years of service. His military career ambitions went to Navy aviation in boot camp. He served in many areas of aviation from electronics, fixed wing patrol, and an in-flight technician in P-3A, B & C’s with over 5,000 hours.
When asked what Carl likes most about being a Museum Steward who provides engaging and informative tours, he comments, “it’s the smiles on peoples faces.”
Carl is a graduate of the University of NY-Albany in the sciences field.
Steward, Beechcraft Heritage Museum
Les Marsh
Speaker Bio
Any and all things Electrical and mechanical were my interests from early on. I got my Federal Communications Commission (FCC) advanced license at age 15 and my pilot certs the week after high school graduation. I am currently an FCC examiner. Attended MTSU in their Mechanical Engineering program. In the mid 1960’s my first real job was at Arnold Eng. Development Center (AEDC) at Arnold Air Force Base. While in the Instrument Eng. section, we tested and obtained test data on many of the early space program systems. My next venture was with a Machine tool company that made components for Redstone (Marshall Flight Center) in Huntsville Al. We made componente for the NIKE missile family (Ajax and Hercules) During that time I also worked as an A&P for Bob Bomar at the Shelbyville Airport. I did those jobs for almost 10 years. I then was hired on with an international R&D company that developed prototype systems and components for the Automotive industry. I served as Engineering Supervisor until I retired in 2000. After retirement, I formed my own small machine shop.
Les is our Museum Steward and his restoration skills are undeniable a gift to the Museum. The AT-11, OX-5 engine and many more “Les” projects are attended to daily.
VP & GM for Conecuh Ridge Distillery
Steve May
Speaker Bio
Steve May is the Vice President and General Manager for Conecuh Ridge Distillery. He is an experienced professional with a strong background in business operations and brand marketing. He joined Conecuh Ridge Distillery as VP & GM in June 2023. Previously, Steve held senior roles at Jack Daniel Distillery, including Director of Brand Home Marketing Operations, where he significantly increased attendance and retail sales. He also has extensive experience in logistics, supply chain, and materials management from his time at Boeing Space Systems, ADTRAN and General Electric Appliance’s. Steve holds a Master’s degree in Management of
Information Systems from Florida Institute of Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in
Management and Marketing from Jacksonville State University.
owner of two Beechcraft starships
Raj Nararayan
Speaker Bio
Mr. Narayanan currently owns (2) Beechcraft Starships and is a consultant to NASA, DARPA, and the USAF in matters related to aircraft sustainment, composite aircraft construction, and flight hardware certification for space mission platforms, as well as other Defense Department military programs. Raj holds an Airline Transport Pilot rating and a BS from the University of Southern California and a Master of Science from the University of Miami in Aviation Safety Engineering and Quality/Business.
President, Beechcraft Heritage Museum
Charles Parish
Speaker Bio
Charles L. Parish has presided as President of the Beechcraft Heritage Museum since 2015. Charles is a commercial pilot with instrument, multi-engine, seaplane and glider certifications. He has flown over 35 type aircraft in his lifetime. He is an active member of the EAA, AOPA, RAF and the Staggerwing Club organizations.
Charles grew up in an aviation enthusiast family and has extensive experience in a variety of aircraft. He has served on the Tullahoma Airport Authority; past Chairman of the Tullahoma Planning Commission; past President of the Rotary Club and an Eagle Scout of the Boy Scouts of America where he continues to volunteer.
Charles has a business background with Worth, Inc. sporting goods company and a B.S. degree from the University of Tennessee – Martin.
Author & Museum Historian
Edward Phillips
Speaker Bio
Edward H. Phillips is a freelance writer, active CFI, and A&P with more than 45+ years of experience in the commercial aviation industry, including 20 years as a Business Flying Editor for Aviation Week & Space Technology Magazine. Since 1978 he has researched, written, and published nine books about the men, women, airplanes, and companies that made Wichita, Kansas, the undisputed “Air Capital of the World,” and contributed over 1,000 articles to various aviation technical and history magazines. Ed is an avid enthusiast of America’s early decades of aeronautics spanning 1903-1950. He is a Vietnam Veteran and lives In Montgomery, AL.
vintage aircraft owner and enthusiast
Taigh Ramey
Speaker Bio
Taigh Ramey is the owner of Vintage Aircraft, which specializes in restoration, maintenance, flight training, technical material, and parts for the Beech 18 and warbird community. Vintage Aircraft has been in the Twin Beech business for over 30 years, and we love to help with anything we can. With over 4000 hours flying many different models of the Beech 18, and an A&P with IA privileges, It is my pleasure to help to promote the fantastic attributes of the Twin Beech both from a flying and maintenance perspective
beechcraft heritage Museum Resident Director
Sherry Roepke
Speaker Bio
Sherry has been the Resident Director of the Museum since the summer of 2015. She is a retired school teacher who manages all the membership, finances, and Gift Shop. She has been instrumental in the growth and success of the museum, and her passion for our history and membership is infectious.
Air Boss
Rick Siegfried
Speaker Bio
I am currently retired after 38 years as pilot for United Airlines. I have been a member of EAA since 1963 and a member of Warbirds of America and Vintage since 1984. My wife, Randi and I live on an airpark outside of Chicago, in Downers Grove, Illinois.
I was fortunate enough to grow up in an aviation-oriented family in the Chicago suburbs. My father was an airline pilot and a Beechcraft Dealer/FBO in Joliet, Illinois. I spent a great deal of time in those early years at the airport growing up. My first solo was at the age of fourteen in gliders, and airplanes at sixteen. I was fortunate to fly many Beechcraft’s from the Musketeer’s to Beech 18’s. Advanced ratings were added as age and experience allowed.
Summer breaks from college brought on the first flying position. I flight-instructed and managed a glider school in Plainfield, Illinois. Flying for an airfreight operator in light twins, I continued my education of flight. Eventually I became the Assistant Chief Pilot and Check Airman in Citations and Lear Jets for that company.
The late seventies brought pilot hiring back to the major airlines. I checked out as a Captain in 1989 flying the Boeing 737, Airbus A-320, Boeing 757/767, Boeing 747/400, and the Boeing 777.
Although pursuit of family and career goals have kept me busy, I have also stayed active in General Aviation. I currently enjoy owning a vintage Piper Pacer, and a 1958 J-35 Bonanza. I just recently sold my T6 after 30 years. I have been an active formation qualified pilot flying wingman, lead, instructor and FAST Check Pilot. I enjoyed being President of Warbirds of America from 2006 until fall 2012 and I still am a Director Emeritus of Warbirds of America Board.
Recently, I started to fly the Beech 18 more often and added a Douglas DC3 type rating. I hope to fly at the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in Europe June of 2025. Very fortunate to keep the Aviation passion continuing with new adventures.
founder of gemco aviation
Mike Stanko
Speaker Bio
Mr. Stanko started Gemco Aviation in 1977 to provide professional aircraft maintenance services to aircraft owners in northeastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. Those good people have helped build our airport and aviation service business into a beautiful Mahoning Valley success story. He maintained the entire Beechcraft line, from the venerable Beech Staggerwing, to the entire Bonanza series (including the oldest flying Bonanza in the world) and on up to the Beech King Air cabin-class turboprop twins. Gemco Aviation is a 3-time FAA Diamond Award Maintenance Facility.
National Flight Instructor Hall of Fame
Tom Turner
Speaker Bio
Thomas has specialized in Bonanza/Baron instruction for over 30 years. For the last 16, he has served as executive director of the American Bonanza Society’s Air Safety Foundation. In 2015 Tom was inducted into the National Flight Instructor Hall of Fame.
widow of the great aviator General Yeager
Victoria Yeager
Speaker Bio
Victoria Yeager is the widow of the great aviator General Chuck Yeager. Victoria has
written the book Chuck Yeager: What A Ride! She chronicles personal stories of their life together from her private diaries revealing the truth about living with a great American hero, a hero’s hero. Victoria shares their amazing adventures together all over the world and their relationship full of humor, fun, generosity, kindness, respect, integrity, loyalty, honesty and one of great love.
President, Twin Beech 18 Society & AT-11 Owner
John Hess
MUSEUM VOLUNTEER FOR OVER TWO DECADES
Dixie Hickey
Museum Historian & Author
Bob Parmerter
Speaker Bio
Bob grew up in Florida, Orange Co., NY, graduated from SUNY Oneonta and taught Jr. High Social Studies in Schenevus, NY, for 33 years. Upon retirement in 1997, he designed and built the Beech 18 displays and exhibits in the new Cianchette hangar. As the Museum’s Historian, since 1992, Bob has attended all Beech Party (except ’96 in San Diego), most with his late wife Dot. He began collecting photos and information about the Beech 18 in 1970 and is the author of the Museum’s book, “Beech 18: A Civil & Military History”. He’s the very proud grandfather of four terrific young people.
charter member, beech bonanza/Baron Museum
Bob Ripley
Speaker Bio
Mr. Ripley is a Beech Bonanza/Baron Museum charter member, established in 2004. He is the ABS Senior Technical Advisor and has been with ABS since 2005. Mr. Ripley designed and taught the ABS Maintenance Academy for mechanics. He spent 34 years with Delta Airlines in line maintenance, retiring in 2005. Mr. Ripley has owned and operated Southern Aero Services, Inc., a Beech Baron and Bonanza specialty shop just South of Atlanta, GA., since 1985. He currently holds A&P and IA maintenance ratings. In addition, Mr. Ripley has ATP SEL, SES, MEL, Comm Glider, CFII ASEL, and AMEL.
Author & Engineer with Textron Aviation
James Rix
Speaker Bio
James is an Engineering Specialist at Textron Aviation Defense. He has been with Beech for 37 years and has worked on every production model since except Premier 1. James was hired into the company as a test engineer just as the Starship was in the design phase. Over the years, he has served in multiple engineering roles. He designed test equipment, led the Aircraft Instrument Group, designed the flat panel displays on the T-6A, designed the cockpit and avionics integration on the model 4000 (Hawker Horizon), and is currently doing avionics & electrical FAA certification work on the T-6 and Military certification work on the AT-6.
James became an unofficial Beech historian because Beech co-founder Ted Wells was a friend of his family in the Wichita Sailing Club. He wrote a book (Master of the Sky and Sea) about himself and his aircraft pioneering and sailboat racing adventures.
Short Take Off & Landing Exhibitionist
Jay Stanford
Speaker Bio
Jay Stanford is from Kingsland, Georgia. He has been flying his family’s scratch-built Super Cub in Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) competitions around the country, competing at Sun N Fun, Oshkosh, and other National STOL events. Jay works for Lockheed Martin Space as a project manager, and in his off time, he enjoys boating with the family, traveling, and practicing STOL. He looks forward to discussing STOL flying and demonstrating the competition environment again at Beech Party 2023.
Curator, Beechcraft Heritage Museum
Kirby Totty
Airtech Coatings founder
Robbie Staton
Speaker Bio
Robbie was farming rice in Arkansas until 2017. He has been an IA mechanic for twenty-plus years specializing in fabric aircraft. Robbie has owned and operated Airtech Coatings in Arkansas for the past five years. Airtech Coatings supplies an STC’d paint and fabric system for most models of aircraft. Robbie provides one-on-one or seminar training in a group on his airtech coatings system. Robbie likes to help people solve fabric problems, whether it is Airtech or another system.
owner of Younkin Airshows
Matt Younkin
Speaker Bio
Matt is a third-generation pilot; son of legendary airshow pilot Bobby Younkin and grandson of infamous aircraft builder & restorer Jim Younkin. Matt began his flying experience at the age of 14, soloing his grandfather’s 1928 Travel Air 4000 biplane at the age of 16.
Matt has eloquently followed his father’s aerobatic career, famous for his astounding aerobatic Beech 18 airshows. He is proficient in over 85 airplanes ranging from the Piper Cub to the Boeing B-29. He is a fully rated flight instructor with 5,000+ hours of total flying time and presently resides in Siloam Springs, AR.
Matt continues the Younkin Airshows tradition by performing unique aerobatics in precision aircraft and aerobatics in unique aircraft.