Hangar Rats

Hangar Rats Cast:
Left to right: Jared Day, Gary Delillo, Dotty Carey, Don Mack, Jennifer Blackwell,
Jon Eric Preston, Gazelle Jesse Torrilhon and front is David Hillberg

Dave Hilbie (Jon Eric Preston) learned his desires at a young age. Loves to build things. While at Fr. Rucker breezed through a two month course in twelve days. A mechanical wiz kid soloed an airplane in four hours, a helicopter in eight! Not skilled in close personal relationships. At times people do not understand his motives. He cares too much for perfection.

Don Hilbie (Brian Duclos) is David's little brother. He hates all conformity with stupidity. If it's a helicopter he can fly the box it came in. While in the Guard, he had a knack of angering a Major while PTDY flight line duty at Ft. Hunter. Don built up more time in the air than most flight officers. Known as the father of the jet powered home built helicopter industry.

Bob Green (Anthony S. Johnson) started on aviation in Vietnam as a Huey crew chief. He started his own successful FBO for 30 years before being hired with the local FSDO FAA office. Still suffers from his tour of duty. A wiz with the ins and outs with the FAA directives, says "each office independently owned and operated."

Kendra Bowen (Dotty Carey), a long time Lifer with the National Guard, with her ETS looming near joined the FAA to secure a double retirement for her many adopted and dear animals. Spent a tour at Ft. Hunter and met Don and his life long dream of being a helicopter pilot. She ran supply before entering Warrant Officer training to becoming the first non-token woman Army pilot.

Rachel Pyekirk (Rachel McCormick) spent her life on the farm before running off to the west. Her heart is in the right spot, just wants to belong to the right soft hearted man. She landed on hard times after graduating from the local community college. Married the boss when she found her addiction to spending money was overpowering to any relationship.

Sandra Sly (Jesse Torrilhon) graduated at the top of her class. Plans to become an astronaut were put on hold when the "school" lost her transcripts. She earned and A&P license to pay for her education. Learning that she had a penchant for wrench turning. One of the very few ladies of aviation maintenance. Married early with no children.

Salley Neleava (Gazelle) grew up in Samra. Her mom won the immigration lottery and left Salley's drunk lazy father in a rush. Her community college antics brought her to aviation by accident. Her devotion to do well at this new job leaves the finer parts of her hidden. Her organizational skills shine through the clouds of her own deep down personal insecurities.

Loyd Pyekirk (David Hillberg) is lost in the obligation to his father and responsibilities to all people in the company. He acts in his best interest of getting the job done. A reformed jail bird, whose fathers business is his new prison. He keeps and cares for his Hangar Rats on and off the flight line. Likes to keep life simple and raise his two daughters and feed the horses.

Fred the D.O.M. (Delillo Gary) was offered his Director of Maintenance position when he met the Boss in an airport bar. After years at various big corporate flight operations he was finally let go after one two-time playing mechanic on their feet. Used a mail order company to get his A&P license and bribed an inspector for his LA certification just to get this job.

Marsha Stone (Jennifer Blackwell) left her home town after a birthday gift, a helicopter ride! Her low time did not dampen her quest and love for a new way of life. At employment her flight time was amended to meet company minimums. She is likeable, stubborn and fiercely independent. Never to compromise her future plans to fly air rescue in Switzerland.

Tony Smith (Don Mack) the habitual dead head was rescued from the military brig by his higher ranking father. Good with a wrench guitar and stirring the pot of the status quo of conformity to authority. Loves his family, wife and kids. Uses innuendo to communicate a style of care, says that if his son follows in his vacation he'll break his little hands.

Wilie D'Pilote (Jared Day) is an enigma in the aviation community. He compiled more flight time than his training actually is. He hired on as a chief pilot for the Academy not by his actual skills with the helicopters he flies or has actually flown but by knowing the boss and the companies need, having signature on a manual and connections with the locals.

Micheal Pyekirk (Elwood Carlisle) started out in a little poe dunk town, with no family to call home, he was adopted by the local police chief. Retired from law enforcement, he started an aviation flight school with nothing more than a little travel trailer and an old friends Piper Cub. Loves to make money in any manner or method. His flight school now has the eye of the local Feds due to it's unusual growth.