DRAKE GROUP ASSOCIATES
AVIATION EXPERTS
William Ackerman, In Memory -- William Ackerman Consulting James Brooks -- Praxden, LLC James French -- James H. French Consulting Ronald Harvey, In Memory -- Ronald H. Harvey & Associates, Inc. Robert Homan -- Robert E. Homan Consulting Gary Nakagawa -- GKN & Associates, Inc. Bert Overfield -- Bert Overfield Consulting John Piper -- John Piper Associates Chester Schickling -- Chester Schickling Consulting William Wailes -- Wailes & Associates, LLC William Ackerman, In Memory -- William Ackerman ConsultingMr. Ackerman,who past away in 2008, had over 39 years experience in aircraft engneering and certification. This includes engineering experience in systems design, flight deck design, interior design and aircraft systems certification to FAR 23 and FAR 25 requirements. Bill had extensive experience in analysis of systems to achieve low cost and light weight to achieve reliable and simple systems. Included were safety analyses to achieve the safety levels required by FAA and customer requirements. Also included in Bill's experience was over 30 years experience in supervision and management of aircraft design and certification programs. This experience included cost and manpower estimation of airplane design programs. Bill had worked over four years as a technical advisor for aircraft design and certification in Asian countries. Bill's wife, Patty, still resides in Reno. Bill will be missed
2050 Joy Lake Road
Reno NV, 89511
Voice: 702-849-2743 :: Cell: 775-843-9030
James Brooks -- Praxden, LLCJames Brooks is a Senior Electrical System Design Engineer with over 20 years in the aircraft industry. Jim provides electrical design integration with liaison support for both small and large projects. He has extensive experience in design, testing, certification of aircraft electrical/avionic systems and equipment for part 23 & 25. He specializes in custom power systems, medical power systems including coordination and development of equipment racks, circuit breaker panel layout and control panels. He has supported numerous projects and is also skilled in AutoCAD, CatiaV5, MS Office, MS Project and MS Access. Jim is well known for his attention to detail.
8517 Merriman Farm Rd
Oak Ridge NC, 27310
Email: JBrooks@Drake-Group.com
:: Cell: 336-682-6921
James French -- James H. French ConsultingAs a senior financial executive, Mr. French was the Budget Director for Howard Hughes Summa Corporation and a former Budget Manager for Hughes Helicopters. His other experience includes ten years as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for a large transportation firm and experience as the Controller of an aircraft R&D project. Jim has extensive experience in modeling, budgeting, risk analysis and forecasting, as well as comprehensive financial expertise. He possesses excellent communications skills and years of experience in proposal preparation to share with clients. In addition to his business skills Jim was a Marine Corps aviator. Please contact Jim directly at the following address regarding his services.
6233 SW Timber Ridge Dr
Corvallis OR, 97333
Email: JHFRENCH@msn.com
Voice: 541-929-4997
Ronald Harvey, In Memory -- Ronald H. Harvey & Associates, Inc.Ronald H. Harvey, a long time member of The Drake Group, has has past away in 2007 in Carson City, NV. Ron was a pragmatic generalist that was involved in the design and development of prototype twin turbine powered aircraft for over 35 years. As a designer he had over 18,000 hours of CAD design. Ron will be missed.
PO Box 20123
Carson City NV, 89721
Robert Homan -- Robert E. Homan ConsultingRobert Homan is an experienced member of senior management for quality assurance and manufacturing. Bob has over 35 years of aviation related electronics and airframe manufacturing experience in various positions which prepared him for his director and vice president leadership roles. Bob's practical approach to establishing quality and manufacturing procedures for new aviation companies has led to several TC, STC and PMA certifications. He has maintained Certified Quality Engineer credentials from the American Society for Quality (ASQ). Supporting his aviation manufacturing profession, Bob is an instrument and multi-engine flight instructor and has type ratings. Bob attended Memphis State University and San Diego City College. Please contact Mr. Homan directly regarding his services.
16579 Canyon Cross
San Antonio TX, 78232
Email: flttest01@aol.com
Voice: 210-490-2848
Gary Nakagawa -- GKN & Associates, Inc.Gary Nakagawa, President of GKN & Associates, Inc., is a consultant specializing in aviation safety and certification. He is an aeronautical engineer with more than 34 years of experience in aircraft safety matters. As an official in the FAA Aircraft Certification Service, he held key management positions within the Continental U.S.; the Asia-Pacific Region; and Europe, Africa, and the Middle East Regions. At the executive level, Gary participated in high-level domestic and international strategic planning and negotiations. He was also responsible for the issuance of type design approvals and continued operational safety for domestic as well as foreign manufactured aircraft approved in accordance with provisions of U.S. International Bilateral Airworthiness and Aviation Safety Agreements. During his tenure with the FAA, he was directly involved with major type certification programs, complex supplemental type certification projects, aircraft airworthiness certification and, airworthiness directive safety actions. The programs and activities covered a wide range of aircraft and related aeronautical products (small airplanes, gliders, balloons, helicopters, transport airplanes, engines, and propellers). All business inquiries should be directed to the following address.
8800 Bonta Court
Las Vegas NV, 89134
Email: gnakagawa@compuserve.com
Voice: 702-256-8536 :: Cell: 702-683-3873
Bert Overfield -- Bert Overfield ConsultingBert Overfield is a veteran of over 42 years in the aviation industry. He has held senior management positions where he directed aircraft design, development, certification and manufacturing. Bert has been involved in program management for both military and commercial aircraft programs, from preliminary design through production. He has been a Division General Manager, Vice-President/Plant Manager and Vice-President/Operations for major business aircraft manufacturers. His most recent position was Executive Vice-President of a large subcontract aircraft machining and fabrication facility. Bert received a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Colorado. Any inquiries should be directed to Mr. Overfield at the address shown above.
1500 Lakeview Dr
Keller TX, 76248
Email: bertoverfield@sbcglobal.net
Voice: 817-605-0042
John Piper -- John Piper AssociatesJohn Piper is a seasoned member of aviation with over 30 years of key experience; Piper Aircraft (14 years), Beech Aircraft (9 years) and as an independent consultant since 1991 as JOHN PIPER ASSOCIATES. Mr. Piper has "hands-on" and management experience in all aspects of aircraft manufacturing operations, program management (military / commercial, aircraft development & certification programs), international programs, site selection, facility planning and layout, feasibilty studies, marketing, and senior management. John's international aviation assignments primarily involve South America and Western Europe, but also include Russia, Poland, Japan, Uzbekistan and Taiwan. His aviation heritage prompted flying at an early age as a multi-engine and instrument rated commercial pilot. John has an undergraduate degree from Oberlin College and an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School. Please direct all business inquiries directly to Mr. Piper at the following address.
688 S Ridge Dr
Perrysburg OH, 43551
Email: Jrpiper44@aol.com
Voice: 419-874-0326
Chester Schickling -- Chester Schickling ConsultingChester Schickling is a seasoned business jet marketing leader who has developed and successfully managed marketing efforts for over 30 years. His proactive energetic style of getting involved is evidenced by the profitable results at the airframe manufacturers and aviation distributors he has served. Chester provides clients with a wealth of experience that can be adapted to specific aviation marketing projects that include new aircraft, used aircraft and major component distributors. Chester’s knowledge, personal recognition as well as contacts in the corporate aviation market are among the best. He can advise on both domestic and international programs. Chester holds bachelor of science and master’s degrees. He served as a pilot with combat experience in Vietnam and is currently holds an Airline Transport Rating and CFI licenses. For addition information regarding Chester’s services for clients please contact him at the above address.
15646 Robin Ridge
San Antonio TX, 78248
Email: CHETJS@aol.com
Voice: 210-492-2778 :: Fax: 210-492-1744 :: Cell: 210-859-4300
William Wailes -- Wailes & Associates, LLCBill Wailes is a creative and versatile aerospace professional with over 25 years experience in the aerospace and aviation industries as a manager, engineer, designer, and pilot. He has a solid track record of aviation/aerospace program management in both R&D and manufacturing modes. He has served as President of a composite aerospace structures engineering, certification and manufacturing company with FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval. Bill’s recent consulting assignments include drafting of PMA Manuals for clients gearing up for complex aircraft modification work.
Bill holds a Degree in Aerospace Engineering Science from the University of Colorado. His background includes a broad mix of Dept. of Defense and Commercial programs in both aviation and space arenas. As a test engineer, he gained extensive working experience at US Gov’t test ranges including Edwards AFB, Dugway Proving Ground, NAS El Centro, Yuma Proving Ground, White Sands Missile Range and Sandia Labs as well as the Woomera test range in Australia. His many years of space launch experience includes on-site work at NASA’s space centers including Kennedy Space Center, Marshal Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, Ames Research Center and launch sites including KSC, Wallops Island and Vandenberg AFB. His management credentials include R&D, production, operations and general management responsibilities. Some of his work has required that he hold a US Govt. security clearance. A lifelong aviation enthusiast, he is an FAA licensed Commercial Pilot with multi-engine, instrument and Flight Instructor ratings.
Please direct all business inquiries directly to Mr. Wailes at the following address:
1104 South Townsend Ave
Montrose CO, 81401
Email: bill@4ltcinfo.com
Voice: 970-252-1992 :: Fax: 970-252-1993 :: Cell: 970-417-9075
