Introducing ANN Staff, Stringers, Videographers... The People Who Make It All Work: The Best Engineer Around

Anyone who's ever been to events like Oshkosh, AEA, and Sun 'n Fun know that there are hundreds of events and activities as well as tens of thousands of people that descend (some quite literally) on these locations each year. While we have a very hard-working and dedicated staff, ANN could not provide you with the extensive information we do without the help of some equally ... some might say more ... dedicated stringers and other staffers who give a week of their time to make sure you have the best possible coverage of every show and ever day. 

Introducing.... Gene Yarbrough

Fresh out of Winston-Salem, NC (Circa 1969) Gene craved everything aero. Growing up the son of Navy Enlisted Gene was exposed to high speed and high tech early on. The daily roar of Navy fighters in the heavens was as much a part of life as crickets chirping at night. The stories of sea duty and far away exotic lands encouraged an explorer’s spirit and instilled a sense of fascination and intrigue for new adventures. Gene is one of the last aviation romantics.

Early aero knowledge came from dated books, years of doodling, and sketching airplanes eventually gave way to modeling and building. Discovering mechanical talent, the “knack” (REF Dilbert), and a natural affinity for machinery, Gene had a desire to become an engineer. Planning on going to college out of high school met with reality, and technical school became the most practical approach. Receiving an AAS in Aircraft Maintenance set up a 10-year career as an A&PIA. Having worked on everything from ultralights to L-1011s, Gene yearned for a superior challenge, and returning to college at 29 while raising a family fit the bill.

Receiving a BS in Mechanical Engineering from NC A&T SU in 2003 has allowed Gene to pursue the real spark from the earlier days. The highlights of Gene’s professional career include Chief Engineer with CubCrafters on the SportCub LSA and Carbon Cub models, Airframe Design Engineer and MRB Engineer for Gulfstream Aerospace on the G650, and Senior Systems Engineer with Honeywell Aerospace. Gene currently lives in Albany, GA and is Director of Engineering with Thrush Aircraft.

Gene is a light aircraft structures specialist, owns and flies a Cessna 177RG Cardinal, owns the assets and tooling of the Lazair ultralight, and is always looking for the next adventure in light aviation. As a perennial stringer for Aero-News Network Gene concentrates on aeromedical issues, light aircraft and ultralight issues, and regulatory matters such as Light Sport Aircraft, Light Sport Pilots, and MOSAIC.

FMI: www.aero-news.net