Owner and operator, Ernie Persich, has been maintaining aircraft for over 50 years. His work experience includes a large range of aircraft, from WWII aircraft including trainers such as Stearman bi-planes to North American T28’s, as well as Vintage General Aviation Planes.
Ernie got his start in aviation attending Civil Air Patrol at age 13, earning his pilot’s license at the early age of 18. He completed his goal to become an aviation mechanic with a BS in Aeronautics at San Jose State University. He received his FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certificate in 1975. Ernie then received his Inspection Authorization (IA) Certificate. As a young mechanic, Ernie had the opportunity to work at Reid Hillview Airport’s GeeBee Aero maintenance facility. During that time he also worked with Harry Halajian, under whose tutelage Ernie acquired extensive knowledge of Stearman aircraft while helping Harry restore several projects.
He went on to restore his own award-winning Stearman bi-plane from the ground up. Since then he has also restored an award-winning 450hp Stearman “Ol’ Harry” and a New Standard D25 bi-plane “The Flying Lady”. He is currently involved in restoring a 450hp Stearman, a 1937 Fairchild F-45, as well as a North American SNJ-5C trainer
Ernie is also a Certified Factory Porsche Master Technician, with ASE accreditation.
Ernie is associated with the following organizations: Stearman Flight, EAA, AOPA, Stearman Restorers’ Association, NATA, Hollister Airmen’s Association. He also performs in air shows around the West Coast with Eagle Flight, a Precision formation flight team.
Ernie’s wife Beate has been maintaining all the necessary aircraft documentation and records needed to comply with FAA regulations and guidelines as well as helping out to maintain day to day operations of the facility.