Bridgewater, Virginia

Inducted in 2006, Karl Stoltzfus began his aviation career in 1958 when he joined his father’s business operating Stoltzfus Private Airport.  As a partner in the business, he gained valuable experience maintaining and modifying Stearmans, Grumman TBMs, Chase C122 Box Cars, Twin Beech 18s, Douglas DC-3s, and B-17s.  Additionally, Karl also flew the Stearmans, Beech 18s, and Douglas DC3s.  He obtained his private pilots license in a North American T6G in June 1960.  Stoltzfus also flew a Cessna 180 on floats and skis in Northwestern Ontario for about a year for a missionary organization.  He entered Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg in 1967 and graduated in 1972 with a B.A. in Business Administration.  During that time, he began K&K Aircraft with his brother Ken.  In 1967 the Avotek Division of K&K Aircraft was established to develop training aids for trade schools and colleges.  In 1974 Stoltzfus purchased the Bridgewater Airpark.  In 1982 he entered into the Government Contract Aerial Application to spray for gypsy moths.  He successfully treated nearly one million acres in 1990.  In 1992 Stoltzfus developed an air charter division.  K&K Aircraft officially became Dynamic Aviation in 1997 and provided logistical air support in the 100th year celebration of flying of the Wright Brothers 1903 flight.  Dynamic Aviation has the largest King Air fleet in the world with 130 aircraft, and is one of the world’s largest privately held organizations providing “special mission” flight services throughout the world.  Stoltzfus received the 2006 Harrisonburg/Rockingham Chamber of Commerce “Business Person of the Year award.