LEIfeld Marks 35 Years With Byerly
Kerry Leifeld
After serving in the U.S. Navy Kerry enrolled in A&P school at Spartan School of Aeronautics and, after graduating was recruited by Byerly Aviation. His preference was to remain close to family in his native Nebraska, but aviation maintenance technician jobs were scarce there.
However, Byerly was within the maximum 500-mile radius from family that Kerry had established as a job requirement, so he accepted Byerly’s offer. That was in 1974. Thirty-five years later he still travels to Nebraska to visit family, but he calls Peoria home.
“We are very lucky to have someone of Kerry’s caliber,” commented Byerly Vice-President and General Manager Geoff Shilton. “His knowledge and expertise on the Twin Commander is nationally known. And, he earned his private pilot’s certificate at Byerly, which adds to his capabilities and knowledge on the shop floor.”
Kerry has had some unique experiences through the years. “He was personally involved in the maintenance on Bob Hoover’s Shrike Commander, and indeed got to know this legendary man very well,” Shilton said. “He also was involved with the very first Twin Commander 840 Grand Renaissance modification and the Shrike program. And he has been fortunate to ride in a variety of different aircraft over the years, notably the Goodyear Blimp, a Ford Tri-motor, a B17 and AT6 WWII advanced trainer.”
Asked what he has enjoyed most about his career at Byerly, Kerry commented that “Working with all his customers over the years has been a joy.”
“It has been a joy from within, too, Kerry!” Shilton said. “Thank you for your service.”