John N. ("Jack") Kilpatrick, the founder of Redding Aero Enterprises, began his aviation career in 1948. He formed the company in 1972

See Jack with his SPAD XIII CLICK HERE

with the idea of offering his expert pilot and mechanical skills to local aircraft owners. Business proved intermittent and Kilpatrick worked for another company until 1989 when he invited Victor Clarke and Steve Hoppes to join the enterprise. Within a few years the three aviators incorporated, with Kilpatrick as president. Clarke as vice-president and director of flight operations, and Hoppes as director of maintenance.

Today Redding Aero Enterprises, Inc. numbers an average of 60 plus employees. It occupies over 32,000 square feet of hangar and office space at the Redding Municipal Airport. Redding Aero Enterprises, Inc. operates a private fleet of aircraft and flies over 6,000 hours per year, making it the most active operator in the Sacramento flight district.

Focusing on small package freight, Redding Aero Enterprises, Inc. initiated a contract with United Parcel Service (UPS). Five of the Cessna aircraft are based out of Mather airport --- the Sacramento Gateway terminal for UPS. These planes fly daily to Reno-Winnemucca; Redding-Montague; Quincy-Susanville-Chester-Chico; Eureka-Ukiah; San Andreas-Sacramento-Reno; and Oakland-Monterey. Redding Aero Enterprises, Inc. also contracts with several major banks in the northstate.

The U.S. Forest Service utilizes Redding Aero Enterprises for specially equipped Cessna's for fire surveillance/suppression and air attack operations. The planes and pilots, operating under contract and are on an on call-when-needed basis, where they are flown in California, Florida, New Mexico and Texas. Redding Aero also provides air reconnaissance for the Bureau of Land Management.

Another important phase of the overall operation is the company's air charter, or "air taxi" service, for individuals and small groups of travelers. Planes and pilots are available to fly clients any distance to destinations of their choice and return them on the day requested. This service provides air travelers a private air limousine whenever, wherever at one set price for the entire aircraft charter no matter if there is to be one passenger or shared between several others. This private alternative mode of transportation saves time bypassing the long security lines and baggage checks required by large commercial carriers.

Redding Aero Enterprises, Inc. is a full-service FBO (Fixed Base Operator), operating the Redding Jet Center, which functions like a truck stop. Pilots can land, fuel up, and grab something to eat at the Airport Deli inside the Redding Jet Center terminal. They have the use of a comfortable pilot's lounge and access to a courtesy car. Area speedboat enthusiast can purchase high-octane aviation fuel from the center, and aircraft owners interested in having fuel delivered into remote areas can contract through our over the road fuel truck transport service.

With a foundation of high professional standards, Redding Aero Enterprises, Inc. looks forward to continue serving the aviation needs of its clients.

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