Staff

 

Reece Howell, III
President
Director of Operations

A career aviator known for conveying complex information in a simple and easy-to-understand way, Reece is the nation’s foremost authority on piloting MU2’s. He has logged more than 33,500 flight hours – 18,900+ in the Mitsubishi MU-2B. He has flown the MU2 both corporate and Part 135 for 30+ years and is also rated in Learjet, BA-3100 and Commercial Privileges Rotorcraft – Helicopter. Holds FAA Pilot Examiner (since 11/1991), PE, CIRE, FIE, ATPE, SPE/SFIE. 

In November of 2008 Reece was enshrined as a member of the TENNESSEE AVIATION HALL OF FAME, received the Wright Brothers “MASTER PILOT AWARD”, for 50+ years of aviation without any incident, and was named “FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR 2008”. 

Through the years, Reece has built a company based on hands-on flight training designed to graduate pilots who are competent and confident in operating their aircraft. 

Ron Derksen
Director of Maintenance

After his retirement from The Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1978 where he served as a mechanic on the Northrop F-5 and the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, he moved to Tennessee. An A&P Mechanic and Aircraft Inspector as well as a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME), Ronald also serves Howell Enterprises, Inc. in the capacity of ground instructor for the Mitsubishi MU2. His knowledge and experience with MU2 maintenance contributes a great deal to the course.

David Templeton
Certified Flight Instructor

Born and raised in Shelbyville, TN, I received my Private Pilots license in 1974. In April of 1979, just a few short months before my graduation from Auburn University, I received my CFI and have been flying the Mitsubishi MU-2 ever since. I have accumulated 9100+ hours in the Mitsubishi and over 14000 hours Total Time in various aircraft and continue to not only fly for Howell Enterprises, Inc but as a contract employee for a company in the Middle TN area.

I have been flying for Howell Enterprises, Inc since 1981 and enjoy every minute of it. I look forward to meeting you and helping you with all your flight training needs.

When I’m not flying I look forward to spending time with my family, but most of all, spoiling the grandson. 
Al Watson
Instructor

I have been flying since 1963. I have about 3,000 hours flight instructing and 18,000+ hours flying. I have an ATP pilot certificate for single engine land and sea and multi- engine land. I have been a flight instructor since 1968 and was an examiner for ten years on King Airs and Learjets and taught Learjet ground school for fifteen years. I flew MU-2’s for McDowell Inc. in Nashville and Holloway Construction in Wixom Michigan. I flew for Lockheed Aircraft in Saudi Arabia, Hamilton Oil Corp. in Denver Co., and served as Chief Pilot and Director of Operations for Corporate Flight Mgmt. I flew for Nortel Networks in Nashville and have extensive overseas experience.

When Reece wants to be annoyed I teach ground school for him, but I really come for the lunch. I look forward to seeing you in class.
 
 
T. William "Bill" White
Certified Flight Instructor

I have been flying since 1963 and have been a Flight Instructor since 1966. Since then I have logged over 4000 hours instructing. My total flight time is 39,300 hours with 24,300 in the MU2.
 
In August 1969 I went to work as Chief Pilot for Keller Companies, Inc. at Manchester, NH “MHT”, flying a Riley Rocket Cessna 310. In 1970 we purchased our first MU2B. I currently operate a MU-2B-26 (M model) a MU-2B-60 (Marq.) and a Falcon 10 for Keller. Since 1969 our corporate flight department has flown over 72,000 accident free hours of which 60,000 has been in the MU2.
 
My initial MU2 training was at the original MU2 factory school in 1970 and then Flight Safety until 1990. Since 1990 all training has been with Howell Enterprises. In 1995 we started on site training at “Howell North” at Manchester. Reece and Ronald have made the trip a yearly tradition
 
In late 2006 I became a MU2 qualified SFAR instructor with Reece and I am proud to help with Mitsubishi training at “Howell Enterprises, Inc-North”
 
  

Maggie Barnes
Office Manager

My first exposure to aviation came when I met my father-in-law, Air Force Colonel Thomas Barnes.  He flew F100’s and F111’s, and when he retired, he became involved in the restoration of WWII aircraft with the Confederate Air Force.

When I became a customer service representative at Smyrna Air Center, I grew to love the excitement of working at an airport – it was a challenging job and no two days were alike.
 
I’m thrilled to be back at the airport again and look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you might have regarding your flight training needs.