Nominee: Michael E. Kudlak
by Dennis M. Kudlak

Michael E. Kudlak was born in Austin, Pa on September 18, 1913. He was one of ten children. In the late 1920's after the major flood in Austin, his father moved the entire family to Erie, Pennsylvania. My father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He was the Erie area's Aviation pioneer. In 1946 he founded Erie County Flying Service in Fairview, Pa. Business was so good that in 1957 he moved the business to the Erie Airport and it became known as Erie Airways, Inc.

Erie Airways was one of the largest Fixed Base Operations in the Northeast. My dad was an accomplished pilot , flight instructor and businessman.

Mike Kudlak built this successful Aviation business with his two brothers, Andy and Joe. This operation in its prime had built more hangars and office space at the Erie Airport than any other current or past full fixed base operators. During the 60's, 70's and 80' Erie Airways employed over

15 full-time pilots and had a fleet of over 8 corporate aircraft and 6 single-engine aircraft used for flight instruction including V.A. approved instruction.

Mike Kudlak passed away on May 5th, 1983.

Mike Kudlak (2nd person from the right) with Jack Dempsey.

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