Photo by Rose Dorcey Scott Wick assists Doug Garin of Alexandria, Minnesota, with headset selection. Wicks Aircraft Supply is expanding its pilot supplies inventory, as well as dozens of other inventory items, as part of its growth after 35 years in business.

August 2, 2009 - Oshkosh, Wisconsin  - Scott Wick, president of the 35-yearold, family-owned Wicks Aircraft Supply, says the company is returning to its roots.

“The aircraft kits are what got us going, and that’s what we’re focusing on,” Wick says. To carry that out, the company has expanded its inventory of Sitka spruce and plywood, along with parts for composite, metal, and tube and fabric airplanes.

In addition, Wicks will re-establish its aircraft workshops, beginning next month when Poly-Fiber’s Jon Goldenbaum will visit Wicks headquarters in Highland, Illinois, to present a Poly-Fiber covering class. Metal, woodworking, and TIG welding classes are in the works, with discounts offered for EAA members.

Wicks will also expand the number of pilot supplies. “We want to offer headsets and other items to the people we’ve worked with on their airplane projects,” he explained. Wick has been building relationships with customers since 1986, when he began working for this father, Martin Wick, who passed away in 2003. He’s been coming to AirVenture since he was 10-yearsold, and he is excited about continuing the family business and perhaps passing it on to his five children.

The family business isn’t the only thing he wants to pass on. As someone who was inspired by Oshkosh visits as a youngster, including one that included a ride with EAA Founder Paul Poberezny in his P-51, Wick would like to see his passion for aviation carry forward in the next 35 years. Not just in the business that he operates with his brothers and sisters, but in the young people who are interested in aviation.

Wicks Aircraft has donated supplies to EAA’s KidVenture program so that kids can build a wooden wing rib. Wick’s satisfaction with the program is evident. “They have been just swamped over there at KidVenture, and it’s so exciting to be involved in helping the next generation get involved in aviation,” he said.