Priester Aviation appoints new VP of Flight Operations/Director of Operations

Dec. 25, 2013
Industry veteran William L. McNease brings more than 37 years of global flight operations management to Priester Aviation’s leadership team

 WHEELING, IL — Priester Aviation, LLC is proud to announce the addition of William (Bill) L. McNease as the company’s new Vice President of Flight Operations and Director of Flight Operations.  McNease will be responsible for Priester Aviation’s global flight operations.

McNease brings an extensive knowledge base with over 37 years of aviation management and flight operations experience to Priester Aviation.  Prior to joining Priester Aviation, he served as Director of Operations and Chief Pilot for AMR Combs Worldwide Flight Operations.

McNease got his start in aviation as a US Army pilot flying 173 combat surveillance missions in Vietnam.  After gaining experience he moved on to Gulfstream where he was a test pilot on nearly all of the Gulfstream models that have been produced.  His extensive resume includes ratings as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) with 18,000 flight hours and 24 type ratings including several Airbus models, Gulfstream G550/G450, Dassault Falcon 900 and Bombardier Challenger 601 series.  His international credentials include operating licenses for Costa Rica, Hungary, Italy, Indonesia, Malawi, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland.  He has also served as an FAA air carrier inspector and general aviation operations inspector.

“Bill embodies everything we set out to find.  His impressive background, leadership skills and ability to relate and work cooperatively with team members and clients are what inspired us to hire him,” said Andy Priester, President and CEO. “These are truly exciting times as The New Priester continues to take form as the preeminent choice in aircraft management, aircraft charter and related aviation services.”

McNease earned his Masters of Commercial Aviation at Delta State University, following his Bachelor of Professional Aviation from Louisiana Tech University.  McNease is certified as an IS-BAO safety systems auditor and a recipient of the prestigious Admiral Luis de Florez Flight Safety Award, presented by the Flight Safety Foundation which recognizes outstanding individual contributions to aviation safety.

About Priester Aviation, LLC

Headquartered at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), Priester Aviation is among the world’s most experienced global aviation solutions providers, specializing in aircraft management and private jet charter, with over 65 years of aviation experience. Priester is a privately held company and holds the highest safety ratings including the ARG/US Platinum rating, Wyvern Wingman, IS-BAO and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications. Priester’s aircraft are strategically based in Chattanooga, TN; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Milwaukee, WI; New York, NY; Oklahoma City, OK; Philadelphia, PA; St. Louis, MO and West Palm Beach, FL.