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Testimonials
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"My partner and I have used Vintage Wings & Wheels since we bought our Stearman 450 in 2001. Ernie and Beate will go the extra mile for their customers/friends (if you own a Stearman you are Ernie's friend whether or not you use his shop). Over the past years Ernie has gone out of his way to accomodate: flying his own Stearman to our hangar to get ours airworthy, flying us back and forth to leave or pick-up our Stearman and working for us on weekends when necessary, and all this at a reasonable price. I highly recommend Vintage Wings & Wheels for all 'old' aircraft maintenance." Byron Roberts |
"I have owned North American T-28s since 1983. I am on my second. Ernie of Vintage Wings and Wheels has been the only one to repair or do an inspection on my plane, since he went into business. I owned several Stearmans in the years before the T-28s. At that time Ernie worked with the late Harry Halajian on those Stearmans and my first T-28. Ernie has never done anything but the finest work with great attention to detail. Keep up your airspeed!" Joe Keenan |
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"Ernie has looked after my Stearman planes for over 15 years. Both the stock Yellow Peril that was the 7th Harry Halajian built and the 450 custom that Ernie built from the stock fuselage Harry had finished with a Continental 220 on the front. Modfications including the P&W R985, four ailerons with servo tabs, balanced elevator, Beech 18 cowl tapered and ovaled to fit the Stearman firewall with operating cowl flaps, aluminum wheel pants, retractable landing and taxi lights, smoke system, video camera system, IFR 6 pack in the rear cockpit, 3510 pounds gross weight etc etc required numerous 337’s. Ol’ Harry is a magnificent rebuild that in 2007 won both the Watsonville Grand Master award and a bronze Lindy at Oshkosh. I would not want anyone but Ernie to touch my Stearman. Thanks Ernie for a 1000 hours safe flying."
John Hodgson |
"I have known Ernie Persich for over 20 years now, long before I owned an airplane, he worked on my automobiles. Ernie knows antique airplanes inside and out. There is no better 'round' engine guy around in Northern California. Complete with all this knowledge he is a trustworthy and totally honest business owner. That's a great combination for a successful relationship." Mark Klein |
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"I have contacted Ernie the first time in July 2003 to help me with a pre-purchase inspection of a Stearman in Tucson, AZ. Ernie did a wonderful job, found a few minor things to be fixed with the plane and was available for all questions of a Stearman-novice. This was the main reason why I decided to hangar the plane in Hollister - close to Vintage Wings & Wheels. Ernie and his wife Beate are always friendly and make you feel welcome. Both, repairs and necessary paperwork are done very professionally. I had only the very best experiences and recommend them for everyone's airplane troubles, enhancements and repairs." Andreas Hotea - Stearman-Aero, LLC |
"For a few years now, I've been the proud owner of a Beech Staggerwing. During this time, Ernie and Beate have been a tremendous help in keeping my airplane ship-shape in both appearance and airworthiness. I have complete trust in Ernie's skill and attention to detail. Many times he's made a "silk purse out of a pig's ear" at reasonable cost. Vintage Wings and Wheels is the highpoint of professionalism, skill, and friendliness."
John Montmorency |
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"After years of desire, I finally fulfilled myself the dream of owning my own Stearman. Although in overall good shape, she needed a light makeover, several spare parts and more than that, I needed good expert advice. With Ernie and Beate from Vintage Wings & Wheels I was lucky to find all of the above in one place. Although there are several thousand miles between South Germany and the West Coast USA, they provided me with a high class service, just like their hangar would be next to mine: expert knowledge, professional attitude with the charm of a family business. I therefore highly recommend Vintage Wings & Wheels for all classic aircraft owners! "
Blue skies, Helmut Stürzel |
“Having a 70-year-old classic plane, I am very particular whom I let work on it. This is one reason why I bring it to Ernie Persich for service. He is usually pretty busy working on one aircraft or another, and when I drop by with a concern or question, he will always stop what he’s doing and give me his full attention with a sincere interest in what I have to say. No problem is too big or small. He usually responds with the proper remedy, or in the very few instances when he’s not sure, he’ll actively pursue a solution or a needed part, and will not give up on it.
Ernie runs his business in a very professional manner and his work is impeccable. A true craftsman in his field. I always have the satisfaction that when my plane or part leaves VINTAGE WINGS AND WHEELS, I know the job has been done correctly. I believe that all of Ernie’s customers will agree that we are very fortunate to have him in the business!” Dan Collier |
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