A Pro-Flight Cessna on a training flight near Elliot Bay.

About Us

I grew up on the South Side of Chicago less than 2 miles from the end of Runway 31 at Midway Airport.  My father,  an aviation enthusiast, bought an air band radio so we could listen to Air Traffic Control.  My brother and I could both identify most types of aircraft passing overhead by the time I was ten. My brother went on to become Chief Pilot at Skywest Airlines.

Diane and I were married in 1981 and moved to the Seattle area.  We now live in Renton on Cemetery Hill, under the airport traffic pattern.  Diane has a degree in Electrical Engineering and I majored in Aviation Maintenance and Vocational Education.  From 1991 to 2003, I was a tenured faculty member at South Seattle Community College.  I am still asked to  teach the occasional class, preparing young men and women to enter the workplace as licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics.

“Fly With The Best”

In 1994, we opened our doors as Pro-Flight Aviation, Inc., fulfilling a long standing dream to own an FBO.  Over the years we have added products and services.  We own a fleet of 7 training aircraft, a State-of-the-Art Fuel storage facility, and employ 10-15 people, depending on the season.  We believe in providing quality products, at a reasonable price, with pride and integrity.

One of the oldest aviation jokes goes like this:

             Q:How do you make a small fortune in Aviation?

             A: It’s easy—Start with a large fortune.

The point is, it is a passion for aviation that drives our success, not the financial opportunities. Success in this tough business depends upon treating people as we expect to be treated ourselves: Honestly and Fairly.

I have been around airports and airplanes all of my life and have learned a few things I think are important to share.  Please, consider that the airplanes and pilots provide services useful to all of us.  The student pilot learning to fly over your house may someday be flying the airliner taking you on vacation.  The air ambulance coming in at 2:00 AM is carrying someone from our community who has taken seriously ill or organs to be transplanted.  The freighter coming in is carrying goods that local manufacturing companies need to keep the assembly lines rolling.  The pilots, the mechanics that maintain these planes, and the line service techs that fill them with fuel are all working people.  They are all operating legally, and professionally, and are not a bunch of inconsiderate “cowboys” determined to  disturb your peace and quiet. They are actually some of the most accommodating professionals, who will usually go out of their way to assist if they are able to help.

To members of the aviation community, aircraft noise is like background music. But we DO understand that a lot of people don’t see it that way.  We know it’s in everybody’s best interest to operate our airplanes in the most noise friendly manner possible.  Pro-Flight  hopes to be able to effectively manage these issues with the City, Airport Tenants and Citizens of the surrounding communities alike.