Fall Flight Levels Online Available Now
Some people seem almost destined to become pilots. But not many are destined to become air attack pilots. For Dale Head, a career as a city firefighter morphed perfectly into a second career fighting even bigger fires from above. Head recently started his own air attack company, and when he did, he knew it had to start with a Twin Commander. You can read his story in the fall issue, online now.
Also in this issue…
- Find out why Twin Commander Authorized Service Center Legacy Aviation has been able to entice customers from around the world to come to Oklahoma City.
- Learn what Twin Commander Aircraft created to make the fuel system safer.
- Discover the inside story of the 520 and 560 development.
- Follow along as a lucky group of pilots seeks out polar bears and belugas.
And more in the Fall Flight Levels online.
Hagans Inducted into Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame
Matt Hagans, the longtime owner and CEO of Eagle Creek Aviation, was inducted into the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame (INAHOF) at a ceremony in Carmel, Indiana on October 7. Hagans began his aviation career at Cessna in the engineering and flight test department, where he played a vital role in bringing the 414A to market, and helping to certify the 340’s known icing capability. In 1984 he purchased Eagle Creek Aviation and grew it into a world-class aircraft services company and one of the most active Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Centers. Under his leadership Eagle Creek was responsible for developing the STC for the Dash 10 engine upgrade, the Garmin G950 STC, and many other advancements.
In 2021 Hagans merged Eagle Creek with Jet Access to create the tenth-largest Part 135 company in the United States. He currently serves on the company’s board, which has nearly 400 employees, 50 Part 135 and training aircraft, and 75 technicians. The Eagle Creek Aviation brand remains strong and intact as a Jet Access company, and continues to operate at the Eagle Creek Airport near Indianapolis. Hagans has more than 17,000 flight hours in a variety of aircraft, including most of the Twin Commander line.
Pam Moore Promoted to Program Manager
Twin Commander’s Pam Moore has been promoted to Program Manager for the company’s type certificate group. As part of her duties, Moore is responsible for the customer-facing side of the day-to-day operation of the Twin Commander and Metro/Merlin type certificates. This includes managing the strategic growth plans, parts ordering and production, customer service and support, supplier management, and more. “I’m thrilled to continue to serve Twin Commander operators and the service center network in my new capacity,” she said. “My goal is to improve parts turnaround times and get us back to one-day order fulfillment.” Moore previously served as the librarian, handling technical publications and drawings in support of customer service and engineering. She encourages customers to reach out at [email protected] with any issues or questions.
TCA Seeks Input from Fire Operators
The United States Forestry Service has implemented a new rule that requires operators who wish to compete for and operate under USFS contracts to comply with a factory approved enhanced inspection program that is specific to each model of aircraft. Up to this point, Twin Commander Aircraft has developed programs for the 690 and 695 series of aircraft only.
Those operators wishing to work with the USFS in 2024 with a Twin Commander other than a 690 or 695 must contact the factory as soon as possible so engineers can develop a program. Without this enhanced inspection program from Twin Commander, you will not be eligible for a 2024 contact with the Forestry Service.
