About the Pilots We all agree there is something special about getting out of
our high tech aircraft and doing a little barnstorming.
Steve Koch

Steve is a missionary pilot for Agape Flights based in Venice, Florida. Agape makes weekly flights from Florida to various locations in Haiti and the Dominican Republic delivering supplies to 400 missionary families. Steve has been an active flight instructor since 1972.


Toussaint Louverture International Airport
Port Au Prince, Haiti


C.J. Koch

C.J. flying his Embraer 145 regional jet

C.J. has been flying literally all his life. Growing up in a pilot family, the love of flying is generational. C.J. has been a flight instructor for 11 years and gained the rank of Capitan during his 8 years with Continental Express Airlines flying the Embraer 145 regional jet. He now is a corporate pilot serving as Captain in a Cessna Citation Jet for Honaker Aviation based in Bardstown, KY. C.J. loves stepping out of the jets and flying “real” airplanes with Classic Biplane Tours and eagerly awaits the chance to treat you to experience the joy of barnstorming over the beautiful city of Louisville!


Curt Rausch
Curt Rausch has always dreamed of being a professional pilot. He started his aviation career in the mid 1970’s as an aircraft mechanic for Flying Tigers. When he wasn’t turning wrenches, he was building his flight time as a flight instructor and charter pilot. But the dream is alive and Curt has been in command of DC-8’s and Boeing 767’s for the last 17 years.

Billy Ladd
(Maintenance Director)

Billy, a licensed aircraft and powerplant mechanic has spent a full career in aircraft maintenance. He is an authority on radial engines having worked on many different models of the multi-row radials in the military as well as the Convair 440 with the Pratt and Whitney 2800, P&W 985 in the Beech D18, the Wright engines in the DC-3 and C-46 just to name a few. He spent 35 years in mechanic work for commercial airlines including Delta, Air Transport International, and Fed Ex.

When you ride in "Big Red" it is comforting to know such a qualified individual has been keeping your safety in mind when he performs the required annual and 100 hour inspections as well as the routine maintenance, on this aircraft. Don't be surprised if you see Billy walking around the plane wiping little spots of dirt and oil off as you're boarding.