Has Worked on All Kinds of Engines for More Than Sixty Years

Ralph Holaday began working on aircraft engines since the 1960s and still puts in six to eight hours per day at St. Joseph Aircraft Service who does most of its work at Rosecrans Memorial Airport (KSTJ). He pointed out, "I started flying planes in my younger years. Then I bought one of my own. I gave $800 for it back then."

Holaday has since worked on just about every kind and size of airplane, including when he was in the military and when he’s not working on projects in his home workshop. He has worked on diesel boat engines as well. He explained, "At first, I worked out at Rosecrans part-time in the wintertime, back when I had a marine business in town. Pretty soon, I ended up here, and I work with some very good people."

Those include pilots and mechanics he’s worked with the past few decades such as Paul Rush, who began working with Holaday during the 1993 floods and he still is amazed at Holaday’s knowledge, energy, and kindness. Rush said, "His vast knowledge of all sorts of items amazes me. He even helps train pilots about safety and helping them troubleshoot their aircraft. He also mentors a lot of younger people. At 93, he still wants to work and has great health."

Joseph Brewka is Holaday’s most recent mentee who started just a few weeks ago and said Holaday is very skilled at trouble-shooting even the most complicated electronic issues on aircraft.

Holaday wants to continue working on planes while passing along his many years of knowledge to pilots and mechanics alike while he is still able. He said, "I guess when I get old, I'll retire. I love to do what I do, and they help me as much as I help them."

FMI:  www.airnav.com/airport/KSTJ