Horstman is new airport manager
The Red Oak Airport Commission is pleased to announce the hiring of Adam Horstman as the City of Red Oak’s new Airport Manager. Horstman officially began his duties on June 15.
Adam brings extensive aviation experience to the position, including 20 years of service with the United States Air Force, where he has served in aircraft maintenance and airfield operations leadership roles. Currently stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Adam is retiring from the Air Force after a distinguished military career. He also brings valuable general aviation experience, holding FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) and Inspection Authorization (IA) certifications and serving as owner and lead mechanic of Horstman Aviation LLC.
The Airport Commission selected Adam following a competitive hiring process and believes his technical expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to aviation safety and customer service will be tremendous assets to the Red Oak Airport. His background in aircraft maintenance, airfield operations, and business management will help support the continued growth and success of the airport and its service to the community.
Horstman said that he’s had a long history with flying and aircraft.
“I actually grew up on a farm in Manly. I joined the Air Force as Crew Chief (aircraft maintenance) right after graduating from high school in 2006 and I officially retired from the Air Force on July 31,” said Horstman. “My family and I are currently listing our house in Omaha because we recently put an offer on an acreage in the area and it was accepted, pending inspection. The Air Force was great but I’m ready to be back in a more rural setting/community.”
Hortman added that few years ago, he decided he wanted to work on the General Aviation side of maintenance when he retired from the service.
“I got my A&P certificate, which is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for aviation maintenance technicians, made up of two ratings: Airframe (A) and Powerplant (P). and the I moonlighted at a fixed base operator airport close to my home. After a two years I also started doing private work and started a small business as a mobile A&P. I then decided I should learn how to fly so I’ve been pursuing my private pilots license and I’m close to completing it,” stated Horstman.
Horstman said he became interested in the position of airport manager after visiting the community.
“My friend and CFII (instructor) has a plane hangered at Red Oak and one day I came out to help him with some maintenance. I got to meet Kevin McGrew, the previous AP manager and he told me that he would be retiring soon and he thought I would be a great fit. I love the community, the airport, and it feels like home with more hills, so I pursued it. Everything just lined up perfectly,” commented Horstman.
Horstman also shared some of the goals he’s looking at in his forst year at the airport.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the community, and I would like to host more events at the Airport that will draw in aviation enthusiasts and the general public, hopefully inspiring some future aviation enthusiast,” explained Horstman.
Members of the Red Oak Airport Commission are also pleased with the recent hiring of Horstman.
“We are excited to welcome Adam to our team,” said Airport Commission Chair Joe Lewis. “His extensive aviation background, leadership experience, and dedication to safety make him an outstanding choice for this position. We look forward to the knowledge and energy he will bring to the Red Oak Airport and our community.”
Mayor Timothy J. Fridolph added, “We are pleased to welcome Adam as Red Oak’s new Airport Manager. After having the opportunity to meet with him and his wife during their visit to our community, I am confident he will be a valuable asset to the airport and bring thoughtful leadership to its continued growth and success.”
The Red Oak Airport Commission and the City of Red Oak welcome Adam to the team and look forward to working with him as he leads the continued growth and success of the Red Oak Airport.
The City of Red Oak and the Airport Commission will schedule a community welcome reception at the airport in the near future, providing residents, airport users, and community stakeholders an opportunity to meet Adam and welcome him to Red Oak.