Age: 26
Years in Aviation: 9
Tom Ford is currently working at Pierce Aero in Graham, TX, primarily doing annual inspections and restorations on fabric covered Piper airplanes. He holds an FAA A&P certificate and an Inspection Authorization, and a Commercial Pilot Certificate with single engine land and sea ratings and his tailwheel endorsement.
Ford says, “When I was young I was fascinated with Alaska and bush flying. I grew up in a family that flew. I first went for an airplane ride when I was 6 weeks old. My dad used to flight instruct and did aerial photography for 30 years. I learned to fly and soloed on my 16th birthday. I loved working on things growing up and got a job at a local auto garage. When I was 16 we took a family vacation to Alaska and everyone up there said I needed to get my A&P before I came up to fly.”
Ford attended East Coast Aero Tech located at Hanscom Field in Bedford, MA, now National Aviation Academy.
When he got out of A&P school he worked part time at a small FBO to gain some experience. He then moved to a flight school and maintained a fleet of single and light twin engine airplanes. He always loved tailwheel and tube and fabric airplanes and couldn't really find anyone local to teach him the skills needed on this type of airplane so he moved to Graham, TX, where they specialize in Piper PA-18 Super Cub restoration, and repair and annual inspections on many other tailwheel and fabric covered airplanes.
Ford concludes by saying, “I've just been eaten up by the rag wing tube and fabric airplanes. I hope to someday open my own restoration shop, specializing in tube and fabric airplanes.”
