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P-38 “Glacier Girl”
Back in PDK, Epps Air Service was expanding, as was Epps’ recognition in the industry of his accomplishments:
• 1990 – Hangar 3 built
• 1991 – New turbine maintenance hangar built
• 1992 – First GPS installed by Epps Avionics
• 1993 – NBAA Convention at PDK, First EAA
Young Eagles rally
• 1994 – Pat participates in 50th anniversary of D-
Day paratrooper drop in Normandy, France
• 1995–EppsparticipatesinSpecialOlympicsAirlift
• 1996 – Epps becomes a Pilatus authorized sales and service center
• 1999 – Hangar 6 built
The 90s also included the creation of the Pinnacle Air
Network, of which Epps is a founding member. Of the 10 founding companies in the Network, Epps was the only one not specifically a Beechcraft dealer, however, it continued to grow its Beech service and support business. Billy Hulse, a principal at Atlanta-based River Capital, well known in the general aviation industry as the president and CEO of the Hangar One chain of FBOs, which was later sold to Beech Aircraft (later Raytheon) in 1983, encouraged Pat Epps to help found the group of nine dealers. In the process, Epps became the 10th member of Pinnacle in 1994. The Pinnacle Air Network continues to this day, now comprising 20 of the most successful aviation companies in North America. All 10 of the original Network companies are still in existence and thriving, three of which by different names through merger and acquisition.
The 2000s have been no less active. We see Pat now per- form in his rare aerobatic Bonanza F33C for large airshow crowds with the intent of bringing enthusiasm for aviation to America’s younger generations.
• 2000 – Pat performs for EAA at Oshkosh in his ‘74BonanzaN8176R
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20 • TWIN & TURBINE / January 2022