Page 24 - Demo

WHO:
Dr. Shelly deZevallos
WHERE:
Houston, Texas
POSITION:
President of West Houston Airport
Principal at Independent Mortgage Company
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
NBAA Board Member / Founding Member and President of Texans for General Aviation
Ratings: Glider, SEL, MEL, IFR, Commercial
Hours: 4,000+
22 • TWIN & TURBINE
Shelly deZevallos (far left) with volunteer pilots who ew relief missions following Hurricane Harvey.
by Rebecca Groom Jacobs
1. As a third-generation pilot, aviation is in your blood. How does aviation play a role in
your life today?
I have this theory in life that there are two things you can never replace – people and time. Our airplane saves us so much time. We own a Beechcraft Baron B58 and it enables us to be more efficient and effective, both professionally and personally. At least every other week, my husband and I use it for business-related trips, which are often last minute. We also regularly fly with our children. We are a family of four, so traveling commercial can quickly get expensive and time-consuming whereas the Baron allows for quicker, more enjoyable travel. The airplane fits us perfectly.
2. How great of a presence does the West Houston Airport have in the aviation infrastructure of Houston?
West Houston Airport is the closest general aviation airport to downtown Houston and the Energy Corridor. So, airplanes typically choose to land here for its convenience as well as fast turnaround service and amenities such as conference rooms or maintenance facilities. In all, the airport generates a local economic impact of over $25 million to the community. We also are host to several community groups including the 99’s, EAA, FAA FAST meetings and others.
3. As a founder of Texans for General Aviation, what is the primary mission of the organization and what do you consider its greatest achievement thus far?
Texans for General Aviation came about when several of us in the business aviation industry realized the Texas Legislature and local officials were not being informed about the impact general aviation has on the state. We wanted to assist policy makers in recognizing its importance so we formed the organization and helped initiate the Texas Legislative General Aviation Caucus, made up of legislators and their staff. And it’s just taken off. We have some wonderful leaders like Representative John Cyrier. The caucus is now a great resource for policy makers in Texas regarding general and business aviation.
October 2017