AOPA Pilot Magazine - February 2014 - 61

"These aircraft are purchased by individuals, but they are going to represent our company for
many, many years." -Jeremy Redman

"I didn't do it to win awards or start a business, although those things eventually came out of it," he says. "I just wanted to own and fly a really nice airplane,
and I had the skills and the desire to make the airplane the way I thought it
should be. That level of detail and the pursuit of perfection gave me satisfaction, just as in my model airplane work many years previous."

A MODERN HANGAR

complex is home
to an old-world
workshop for a
variety of Golden
Age aircraft.

ROLE PLAYING

Each of the Redmans plays a distinct role in the day-to-day operation of Rare
Aircraft, although they put no weight in formal titles or organizational charts.
Roy, the founder, sets a quiet, thoughtful, understated tone for the group. He
is extremely well-known in antique aircraft circles for his half-century of hands-on participation and unmatched results. He patiently
deals with the FAA on the extensive list of STCs and 337s that the company incorporates on virtually all of its aircraft restorations. The
wiry, silver-haired former airline captain speaks in an even, soothing voice; keeps tabs on scores of little-known exotic aircraft projects
around the country; and buys dilapidated aircraft or hard-to-find parts whenever they become available. He drives an Audi A6, often
with his German shepherd in the canvas-covered back seat, and classical music plays constantly through its satellite radio channels.
"When you ride with me you get the classics," he says.
Jeremy, 40, manages every facet of the complex and interrelated work taking place on the shop floor. He oversees a skilled team of
10 technicians and answers their in-depth questions about the ways he wants them to perform detailed tasks that range from covering, to painting, to electronics and wiring on several concurrent restoration projects. Jeremy also is recognized within the family for
his strong aesthetic sense and collaborates closely with customers on matters such as paint schemes and interiors.
Rare Aircraft has a clause in its contracts specifying that exterior designs must be done by "mutual consent," and the company reserves
the right to bar wild, over-the-top paint schemes that aren't in keeping with the historical aircraft they turn out.
"These airplanes aren't blank canvases," says Jeremy. "They have a presence
all their own. It's easy to overdo the paint schemes and accessories. These aircraft
are purchased by individuals, but they are going to represent our company for
LOST ARTS such as
many, many years. Our general approach to paint schemes is that simpler is better."
rib stitching (left)
Ben, at 35 the younger son, focuses on mechanical work and relishes all
are refined and
perfected on
aspects of flying-even in open-cockpit biplanes during Minnesota winters.
labor-intensive
He delves deeply into engines, props, and aircraft systems, and he performs the
antique aircraft
vast majority of the post-maintenance test flights and new aircraft deliveries.
restorations.
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AOPA Pilot Magazine - February 2014

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