The Flying Bus
The Mexican state of Tamaulipas is small by United States standards. At roughly 31,000 square miles, it is similar in size to Maine, stretching from the border with Texas 250 miles south along the Gulf of Mexico to Tampico. But Tamaulipas’ size is deceiving. With unreliable roads, mountains, and an ever-changing security situation, it’s an ideal place to use aircraft. Carlos Gonzalez grew up in Ciudad Victoria, the state capital, and he’s proud to now be flying for the state. Thanks to a drug seizure more than 20 years ago, the state operates a 690C, as well as a Cessna 206, Piper Navajo, Cessna Citation, and Bell 430. Gonzalez is a captain on the Navajo and Commander, having worked his…
From the Flightline
SERVICE CENTER PROFILE Engine Experts
A Honeywell service center of the year, National Flight Services serves as the engine expert among Twin Commander Factory Authorized Service Centers. Working with the rest of the service center network, they overhaul the vast majority of TPE331s in the…
COMMANDING PRESENCE Trio of Experts
National Flight Services is fortunate to have a bevy of highly experienced professionals working in every department. Larry Mates, the company’s operations manager, is practically a newbie by National standards. He started in 2004 as an airframe mechanic, although that’s…