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The Texas Aviation Advisory Committee provides input to TxDOT on its aviation development programs and
serves as its representative among aviation users. Committee members also work
with members of the Texas Legislature on various aviation issues. Current Members:
- James E. Schwertner, Jr., Chairman
- Gordon B. Richardson, Vice Chairman
- Joe Crawford
- Greg Jones
- Peter C. Huff
- Robert H. Bruce
James E. Schwertner, Jr., Chairman
James E. Schwertner, Jr. began his career at Texas
Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, and graduated with a bachelor of science
degree in Agriculture Economics in 1975. His aviation career includes a private
multi engine pilot’s license with instrument rating since 1967. He also
established the Aviation World Speed Record in a Piper Navajo on Nov. 21, 1987.
He serves as president and CEO of Schwertner Farms, Inc. and Capitol Land and
Livestock of Schwertner, Texas. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of
Schwertner State Bank, Schwertner, Texas and past Chairman of the Board of
Cattleman’s State Bank, Austin, Texas. Mr. Schwertner was appointed to the
Advisory Committee on August 29, 2002, and his term will expire on August 31,
2008. Gordon B. Richardson, Vice Chairman
Mr. Gordon B. Richardson, of Caldwell, Texas, began his
career as an insurance agent with a business established in 1967. He has
achieved Chartered Life Underwriter and Accredited Estate Planner designations
as well as numerous insurance industry awards. Richardson’s aviation career
began in 1971 as a pilot and includes service as a member of the Seaplane Pilots
Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association Warbird Community, the
Commemorative Air Force and Flying Vintage Aircraft with 3,000 hours as a pilot.
Mr. Richardson was appointed to the Advisory Committee on August 29, 2002, and
his term will expire on August 31, 2008.
Joe Crawford
Mr. Crawford, president of Abilene Aero earned a bachelor’s of
business administration degree from Baylor University in 1979. He has owned and
operated several businesses in Abilene throughout the years. He has devoted many
years to civic duty in the community demonstrated through his affiliations with
the board of directors of First National Bank, Abilene Chamber of Commerce,
Abilene Industrial Foundation, Hendrick Health Care Systems and Hendrick Home
for Children, Baylor University Business School, Development Corporation of
Abilene, and United Way. Mr. Crawford was appointed to the Advisory Committee on
February 26, 2004, and his term will expire on August 31, 2009.
Greg
Jones
Mr. Jones, a commercial pilot earned a bachelor’s of science degree
in geography from the University of New Mexico in 1992. Mr. Jones’ flying
experience began during his college years when he earned a commercial pilot
certificate and worked flying cargo out of Albuquerque. He worked as a pilot for
the Rick Perry campaigns during the 1990’s. He has flown for Vanguard Airlines
and currently flies for Southwest Airlines. Mr. Jones was appointed to the
Advisory Committee on February 26, 2004, and his term will expire on August 31,
2009.
Peter
C. Huff
Mr. Huff is an accomplished general aviation pilot holding a
Commercial Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating. He is a graduate of Rice
University with bachelor degrees in liberal arts and engineering. He was active
in student politics and was elected president of the student body his senior
year. After graduating from Harvard Business School in 1962, he returned to
Texas to build his own engineering and manufacturing company. After some 36
years of growth, he sold DYNAMCO to a New York Stock Exchange Company and has
since chosen to serve the people in his community and in Texas. Mr. Huff also
has flown into literally hundreds of airports over the USA. He built his own
plane and in 1995, flew it to Europe where he not only conducted international
business, but became a focal point of aviation in Canada, England, Holland,
Germany, France, Switzerland and Portugal. Mr. Huff has been a member of the
former McKinney Municipal Airport Board for many years as well as serving as
Chairman. The board has been instrumental in gaining the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and TxDOT grant money as well as the City of McKinney
funding which enabled McKinney Municipal Airport to grow from 4,000 feet to
7,000 feet. Mr. Huff was appointed to the Texas Aviation Advisory Committee on
September 30, 2004, and his term will expire on August 31, 2010.
Robert H. Bruce
Mr. Bruce began his career in broadcast engineering and production following
service in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. After study at the University of Texas in
Austin and graduation from Elkins Institute, he founded United Audio Recording
Studios in San Antonio. Mr. Bruce served on the board of the San Antonio
Advertising Federation and taught audio production at Trinity University.
Ultimately, he pursued a career in the aviation industry, earning his commercial
and instrument single/multi-engine aircraft ratings and designation as a
certified flight instructor in gliders. On July 4, 1984, he established the
Boerne Stage Airfield which he continues to own and operate today. A 5000 hour
pilot, Mr. Bruce served on San Antonio’s Chamber Aviation Advisory Committee. He
is a member of the National Business Aviation Association, the Aircraft Owners
and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and is a life
member of the Soaring Society of America. Mr.Bruce was appointed to the Texas
Aviation Advisory Committee on August 23, 2007, and his term will expire on
August 31, 2010.
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