A short bio on
Myron M. Oakley
I started flying in 1972 while attending college. I became friends with a pilot in a speech class who owned a restored J-3 cub. The second time I went flying with him, I got out of the aircraft and walked directly into the flight school, the rest being history.
By 1974 I was a CFI and taught at a couple of local airports and on the flight line at Southern Illinois University. I eventually wound up at Willow Run Airport (YIP) flying automotive freight in Queen Air, Twin Beech, and Turbine Twin Beech (331 Garretts) aircraft. I also have some time in early Lears (23/24). They were fun at first but if you haven't flown one, you're really not missing that much. After a week or so they become just another airplane. The most enjoyable aircraft to fly, and the one that will teach you the most about flying, is the venerable Twin Beech. Two engines and a tail wheel, what more can you ask for! If I had my way I would mandate every ATP applicant would be required to have a minimum of 200 hours of Twin Beech IFC PIC! The biggest problem is finding a Twin Beech operator that will maintain these fine old aircraft. I also "wrenched" on all of these aircraft with the full time maintanance personnel. I also spent a period as an avionics installer and bench technician as my college degree was in electronics.
In the summer of 1982, I took a part time job flying a Swearinger Queen Air on a non-scheduled, part 135, commuter operation. This was a single pilot operation at the time and I carried a IFR single pilot / autopilot authorization letter. While working this position, I polished my flying skills and received my ATP. I left this position but continued to instruct part time. Along the way I picked up a glider CFI and single engine sea ratings. I was also a past president of the Northern Illinois Soaring Association. I've never really added up the total types of aircraft I've flown but these are the most memorable:
During most of my flying I also ran my own unrelated businesses of one sort or another. After getting married in the fall of 1987, I let my CFI lapse as the days of hanging around the airport all weekend were gone, gone by personal choice. I was getting pretty well burnt out on this routine and was making less than minimum wage, on average, for the time I spent at the airport. I did purchased a 1/5 share in a 1974 Piper Arrow and still currently fly this aircraft for business on a regular basis. I recently attended a CFI clinic and will probably renew my CFI soon with the intent to sharpen my flying skills by giving instrument dual. I have really enjoyed my flying career, but definitely wouldn't be able to build my Lancair if I hadn't made a break from it. I know exactly what to tell my kids if they wish to pursue a aviation career. They will get my full support as long as they parallel their career paths with computer, engineering, or another professional endeavor. If you're successful, you can always play with airplanes, but to rely on being successful in the aviation field can be disappointing. If a person has the skills to be successful in an aviation endeavor, he or she probably would be wildly successful in another field. I still have friends that won't do anything but fly but I'm sure any one of them would swap places with me now.
I've been interested in building an aircraft for over 15 years, looked at the Thorp T-18, and almost began a Glassair in the early 80's. When I first saw the two seat Lancair, I knew this was the aircraft I wanted.
My wife, Rebecca, and I own and operate Z-Tech, Inc. and PCM, Leasing Inc. We have some interesting products and take on some fascinating projects here so you'll want to check out these hyperlinks.
