Top Flight: With a Storied Aviation Career, Terry Tomeny Is Inspiring a New Generation

Terry and Winette Tomeny fly pass the majestic Siuslaw River Bridge in Florence, Oregon, in their legendary Stearman “Kaydet.” The aircraft was the primary trainer for the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II and is arguably the most famous biplane ever made. Tomeny Aero offers tours and flight lessons. In 2017 the Tomenys and retired airline captain Sam Spayd opened the Florence Aviation Academy, working with The Boys and Girls Club to inspire the next generation of pilots and engineers. Courtesy of Tomeny Aero Inc

As a preteen, Terry Tomeny and his father, Edward “Ted” Tomeny, had no clue that one flight in a Cessna 172 would send the youngster up a path that would lead him to approximately 10,000 hours of flying time in more than 80 types of aircraft.

“Flying was the coolest thing I have ever done, and to this day it is still my biggest passion and interest,” said Tomeny, 72.