Our Story 

Ron Alexander, our founder, was born in 1942 in Bloomington, Indiana. His passion for aviation began at age 14 with his first flight in a military C-119 through the Civil Air Patrol. By 16, he was soloing in an Aeronca Champ and earned his private pilot’s license at 17 while working at the local airport. He balanced his love of aviation with academics, enrolling at Indiana University in 1960, joining the Air Force ROTC, and graduating as a Distinguished Military Graduate.

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Ron’s aviation career took flight with the U.S. Air Force in 1964, where he flew C-130s worldwide and served in Vietnam. During his military service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals. In 1969, he joined Delta Air Lines, where he flew various aircraft and enjoyed a 34-year career, retiring in 2002.

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In 1979, Ron founded Alexander Aeroplane Company, which became a leading supplier for aircraft builders and restorers before being acquired by Aircraft Spruce and Specialty. His entrepreneurial ventures continued with the acquisition of Stits Poly-Fiber, Inc. and the establishment of both Atlanta Aerospace Composites and Accessory Overhaul Group.

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A lifelong advocate for aviation, Ron also founded the Candler Field Museum, a unique airpark community and educational initiative designed to inspire and train the next generation of aviation professionals. He was a prolific contributor to aviation literature and a dedicated preservationist of vintage aircraft.

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Ron Alexander’s legacy is marked by more than 25,000 flight hours, an enduring influence on the aviation community, and a lasting commitment to education and preservation. He tragically passed away in 2016 while flying a Curtis JN-4D “Jenny,” but his vision continues to inspire aviators and enthusiasts worldwide.