By ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

Ison Aircraft, the well-known manufacturers of aircraft kits such as the Mini-Max, Hi-Max and Air Bike, has changed hands.

Actually, It Changed Hands TWICE

Charlie Cooley purchased Ison Aircraft a few weeks ago, then resold it to a group of investors headed up by John Graber and Jim Holbrook. These folks have been admirers of Wayne Ison's work for many years and now report seeing the opportunity to take this 16 year-old company and grow it to the next level. "The name of the new company is J. D. T.," said company spokesman Jim Holbrook.

Holbrook expressed that the existing product line will not change. The focus will be on eliminating some of the building steps to make the planes easier and faster to build. Research and development will be another area dialed up by J. D. T. as will be marketing.

The factory and office location is moving from Bradyville, Tennessee to Nappanee, Indiana. The move is taking place right now. A large hangar on Nappanee Municipal Airport (C03) will house the new manufacturing and offices for J. D. T.

"We would like customers to give us a couple of weeks to get everything moved and on line," said Holbrook. Customers who need immediate support may call Lowell Farrand (260 894-3438). J. D. T. expects to be fully up and running before Christmas according to another report.

The staff at Ison Aircraft are helping make the transition smooth although none plan to be permanent employees.

The original company was named TEAM (Tennessee Engineering And Manufacturing. The chief designer and owner, Wayne Ison, is widely respected for his gentle manner, stream of excellent aircraft designs, and willingness to tirelessly help customers. The folks at TEAM, subsequently renamed Ison Aircraft, have a (deservedly) solid following of loyal customers.

FMI: www.isonaircraft.com (still active at this writing)