2015 40 Under 40: Eric Pratt

Eric Pratt: Mesmerized by Aviation

Airport Operations Manager

McKinney National Airport

Age: 30

Years in Aviation: 8

Memberships: AAAE, EAA, McKinney Young Professionals

Did you know?

Pratt would love to open a BBQ restaurant

When Eric Pratt took his first commercial flight at the age of 5, he recalls staring out the window completely mesmerized by the experience. He knew then he wanted a place in aviation as an adult. Today, Pratt is a dedicated and passionate member of the aviation community. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in aviation management, he interned at McKinney National Airport where he helped the then airport operations manager rewrite the airport’s standard operating procedures and wildlife management plan. After this internship, he worked at Dallas Love Field as an operations officer; this was an especially important job at the time as Love Field was building an entirely new terminal building. Later he returned to McKinney National as the airport operations manager. Throughout his time at McKinney National, Pratt has made it clear that safety and security are always on the forefront of his mind; not only did Pratt completely replace the access control system to update security, he implemented an airport emergency plan, helped plan a full-scale exercise at the airport, and arranged for all airport staff to be CPR and AED certified. Along with taking care of the safety and security of the airport, he also manages the maintenance staff and ensures that McKinney National is up to FAA standards. Pratt represents McKinney National at regional meetings and national conferences. He is currently overseeing a major construction project at the airport which will replace 47,000 square yards of apron space. While Pratt is an exceptional manager, he is also a strong leader and citizen who volunteers at events held at the airport, such as Challenge Air Day, where kids with disabilities get the opportunity to fly. Outside the airport, Pratt is a member of the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma. He also spends time cheering for the Oklahoma Sooners and the Detroit Lions with his wife, Elise, and playing with their dog, Sam.