Archived Spotlight Stories : Great River Aviation

In August 2003, Mike and Lee Lindsay Curtis had the opportunity to combine a love of aviation and a commitment to serving the community with the challenge and reward of owning a business. Eight years later, their business, Great River Aviation, provides a wide range of services to Quincy area residents and businesses, as well as pilots and travelers from around the country.
 
“One part of our mission is to serve as a safe harbor and provide a comfortable place for pilots using Baldwin Field,” said Lee. “Great River Aviation is family owned and operated, and is a Christ-centered business. Every day we pray for the safety of the pilots, travelers, and students. By the grace of God, we have not had an incident. Safety always comes first.”
 
Great River Aviation’s facility and staff are often the first – and sometimes the only – part of Quincy pilots and travelers on private or charter flights experience after landing. The facility offers a comfortable place to work or relax, plus many amenities for pilots waiting for passengers. Great River Aviation’s staff is quick to offer assistance with ground transportation and recommend things to see and do, as well as places to eat and stay, while in Quincy.

The business serves as Quincy Regional Airport’s Fixed-base operator (FBO), providing support services to general aviation operators at Baldwin Field. FBO services include fueling, parking, hangar storage, aircraft maintenance and inspections, aircraft rental, lease, sales, and more.
 
“Flight training is one of the most visible portions of our business,” said Mike. “We have an FAA Approved Flight School, providing instruction to individuals seeking any level of licensure, from a Private Pilot Certificate all the way to an Airline Transport Pilot license, which is the highest level in the aviation industry. We also partner with Quincy University to provide training for the Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees in Aviation and Aviation Management programs, which have more than 20 students are currently enrolled.
 
“It takes an average of 3-4 months to earn a private license, but that can vary depending on the amount of time spent flying. The cost of a private license ranges from $6,500 to $8,000; I recommend saving until you have the money to do the lessons all in a short time frame. When training is stretched out too long, there is a lot to relearn at the beginning of each lesson.”
 
Charter service is another major component of Great River Aviation’s business. Flights can be chartered for businesses or individuals, offering increased comfort and convenience.
 
“Regional flights, many of those to Chicago for business or for ballgames, are common,” said Mike. “However, we fly all over the country and to Canada and Mexico. We’ve had couples get engaged and even exchange wedding vows in chartered flights. We’ve flown organs for transplants and helped the state police and sheriff’s department conduct searches by air. With chartered flights, you can decide how much balance you want between business and pleasure. 
 
“Although technology has changed aviation since I began flying, some of the most significant changes came in response to 9/11. Heightened security has changed the way the industry operates and the passenger experience – especially on commercial flights.”
 
Despite increased regulation and the occasional challenges associated with owning a business a in a cost conscious economy, Mike and Lee Lindsay Curtis have not lost their love of flying.
 
“This is something we both have a passion for,” said Mike. “It’s a great life in aviation.”