Piper Aircraft Established in 1927 on the brink of the Great Depression by Clarence and Gordon Taylor, Piper initially operated under “Taylor Aircraft Manufacturing Company”. The founders aimed to create dependable and innovative aircraft. Tragically, just a year after the company's inception, Gordon died in an aircraft accident. After Gordon’s death, prominent businessman William Piper persuaded Clarence to keep the company thriving in Pennsylvania. They found early success with the Piper Cub, a model designed by the Taylor [...]

Mooney Founded in 1929 by brothers Albert and Arthur Mooney in Wichita, Kansas, Mooney International Corporation has navigated a tumultuous history marked by economic challenges. The onset of the Great Depression in 1930 led to bankruptcy for the fledgling company. During this difficult period, the Mooney brothers took on various jobs while Albert continued to nurture the vision of Mooney Aircraft Incorporated, eventually attracting financial support from bankers Charles Yankey and W. L. McMahon. Mooney's inaugural aircraft, the [...]

Cessna 152 Cessna Aircraft By Textron Aviation Clyde Cessna, the visionary behind Cessna Aviation, ignited his passion for aviation at a 1911 exhibition. With a foundation in mechanics and car sales, he crafted his own airplane from a kit, honing his skills as a pilot along the way. In 1916, Cessna seized an opportunity at the J.J. Jones Car Co. warehouse, where he was tasked with building aircraft. The only stipulation? His first creation would proudly carry the [...]

Dassault Aviation Founded in 1929 by Marcel Dassault, Dassault Aviation began concentrating on military aircraft. However, the company quickly expanded its portfolio to include commercial and business jets – launching the Mystère IV in the 1950s. Dassault also launches the renowned Mirage series, further cementing its status as a leader in advanced military aviation. In the 1970s, Dassault embraces the business aviation sector by introducing its Falcon series. The Falcon 20 and its successors transformed the business jet [...]

In aviation, improper aircraft maintenance can cost owners more time and money in the long run. When safety is a priority, regular upkeep is essential for ensuring optimal performance and protecting the lives of passengers and crew.  Neglecting maintenance leads to dire consequences, ranging from safety hazards to unexpected financial burdens. When essential upkeep is overlooked, the risks escalate, potentially resulting in costly repairs and operational disruptions.  Want to talk to an expert? Contact VREF today. 8 Critical [...]

Year-round aircraft maintenance might feel overwhelming when considering the time available to manage and maintain an aircraft or fleet. And throughout the year, you may encounter budget constraints, making prioritizing maintenance challenging. With so many challenges stacking against aircraft owners and operators from maintaining their fleets, we’ve acquired 10 essential tips for improved maintenance year-round. Get ready to uncover strategies to enhance upkeep, avert potential issues, and maintain peak performance throughout every season. Talk to a VREF expert [...]

Beechcraft Aircraft Born out of the Great Depression, Walter Beech founded the Beech Aircraft Corporation in 1932 out of Wichita, Kansas. With the demand for aircraft during World War II, Beech Aircraft boomed into one of the top three general aviation manufacturers. This continued until Walter Beech’s untimely death in 1950.  His late wife, Olive Ann Beech, was instrumental in the company’s development on the financial and operational side. She assumed leadership as President and Chairman of the [...]

Piper Aircraft Before it became Piper Aircraft, Taylor Brothers Aircraft Manufacturing Company was founded in 1927. Following the passing of one of the Taylor brothers, operations transitioned under the guidance of engineer William T. Piper in 1937. Piper Aircraft earned the title of the "Henry Ford of Aviation" during the Great Depression, thanks to Piper’s vision of an affordable, user-friendly private aircraft. The company introduced its first twin-engine model in 1954. It then established its headquarters in Vero [...]

Artificial intelligence (AI) in aviation is projected to reach a value of $90.38 billion globally by 2031 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 46.2%. The aviation industry is on the brink of advancements to enhance operational efficiency, boost safety, and elevate the overall passenger experience. And AI is simply a catalyst for the innovation we’ll see in the upcoming years.  Airlines and manufacturers are ramping up investments in AI-driven technologies, particularly in predictive maintenance as it [...]