Besides aircraft maintenance and limited structural repair we perform all inspections (Phase, Pre-Purchase, Condition and Annual), licensed air conditioning service, oxygen service, dynamic propeller balancing, aircraft weighing, engine removal and installations, and engine monitor installs. We work on, but are not limited to: Aerostar, Beech, Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, Mooney, and Piper aircraft. We have another company named EMAPA (www.emapa.aero) we sell engine monitors and performance accessories at some of the best prices.
Tell us about your growth as a company.
Unlike some maintenance shops, we started from nothing. We did not purchase an existing shop with existing customers and we have not had financial help from banks or family; just good old tenacity, hard work and drive. We actually started in 2005 by doing basic aircraft maintenance, saving money and buying equipment. In 2006 we opened up full time. Working six and sometimes seven days a week; for 12 to 16 hours a day. We had no heaters in the winter or air conditioning in the summer. About all the money we made we used to improve the business and buy better equipment. The owner, Shaune, did not even get a pay check for the first five years. We now own our own 5,600 Sq Ft. hangar. Blue Skies Aviation cares about the community and currently we have adopted the highway in front of the airport to ensure that the airport entrance is clean. Our goal is to open more maintenance facilities and we are about to open a second facility in the near future.
Why should pilots choose San Marcos?
San Marcos is a great airport because of the choice of runways. You will normally never have to worry about strong crosswinds due to the runway options we have. San Marcos is also conveniently located right in between Austin and San Antonio making it the perfect airport for leisure and business travel.
In your opinion, how do the City and surrounding communities benefit from having an airport?
San Marcos benefits from the airport in many ways. A lot of commerce comes through the airport. The airport provides a lot of jobs that pay more than the average job in San Marcos does. Aviation is not just a hobby, there are many businesses associated with aviation that benefits the health and viability of the community. People who are interested in flying often join the military and seek careers in aviation. Some even become astronauts, engineers, and scientists. Airports are also a great thing to have in your community in case of a disaster.
