CRESTVIEW'S SUNSHINE AERO EXPANDING OPERATIONS AT CRESTVIEW INDUSTRIAL AIRPARK

I have noted a number of times, the future of the BRAC Realignment was not only going to be about the Army’s 7th Special Forces or the F-35 Training program bringing thousands of new positions to the area; it was going to be the growth of a number of defense contractors, as well. Most people have not read the BRAC decision in whole and are unaware of the military programs, which were going to be moved to the area also. This did not get the same exposure because everybody focused on what the government was responsible of moving to the area, which was the people. These programs will also provide growth in new positions and has the potential to provide many more personnel than the combination of the movement of the Army’s 7th Special Forces and F-35 Training Program and the cost of new hires and moves will be by the Defense Contractors. As you can see below, Dr. Paul Hsu, a successful defense contractor in his own right and a past Presidential Appointee for President Bush on Economic Development, has desires to expand the Crestview Airpark even more. In a recent interview, he noted, what Edwards AFB did for the silicone valley on the West Coast, you can expect the same from its sister base, Eglin AFB, will do for the East Coast. Therefore, you can sit back and watch, or you can get in the game. Again, stay tuned, more will follow shortly.

Crestview's Sunshine Aero expanding operations
Brian Hughes | brianh@crestviewbulletin.com
2010-09-04 12:26:42

With a fleet of 10 specially modified aircraft, 30 employees and a salary payroll of more than $1 million, Bob Keller’s Sunshine Aero, a fixture at Crestview’s Bob Sikes Airport for more than 30 years, is expanding its operations.
Keller’s SAI Flight Test, the evolution of Sunshine Aero, is the first tenant at the new Crestview Technology Airpark, a joint effort between businessman Dr. Paul Hsu, Keller, the county, airport and state officials, and the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce. The airpark is located at the north end of the airport’s runway and had its groundbreaking in March.
Last week, Keller briefed the chamber’s Airport Committee on progress. The most visible sign is the construction of SAI’s new hangar and office complex. Built to Keller’ specifications, his company will lease the new building and adjacent taxiways from the county upon completion.
SAI Flight Test performs modifications of aircraft for optimum installation under severe time constraints, Keller explained in his presentation.
“Our customers usually need it yesterday,” Keller said, explaining the “severe time constraints” caveat. Then he jokingly added, “If they have a couple of years, they go to the Air Force.”
The company’s flight-test aircraft have been extensively modified. Seat tracks in the planes accept equipment in racks capable of withstanding 9 G-forces without flying loose from their fittings. The planes’ airframes have been strengthened to support external equipment, such as instrumentation pods and an advanced flying naval torpedo developed by defense manufacturer Raytheon.
SAI has an FAA-certified avionics laboratory in which the company modifies both civilian and military aircraft. The company holds a Department of Defense security clearance, and networks with other area defense companies.
“There is a lot of capability in this area and we talk to each other quite often,” Keller said.
Keller told the packed conference room at the Chamber of Commerce’s office, “We have been doing this for many years. A lot of what we do I can't talk about.”
One of the projects he can discuss publicly is advanced radar mapping with the ALIRT system, a capability his company successfully proved earlier this year. Sunshine Aero flew about 150 hours of mapping missions in Haiti following the devastating earthquake earlier this year.
The company’s equipment peered through thick jungles, clouds, smoke and other obstructions to identify roadways and paths rescue workers could use to get supplies to victims of the disaster.
County airport officials are extremely pleased with partnership that led to the creation of the technology airpark.
“When I see you taking off, that's what makes me happy,” said Okaloosa County Airports project manager Tracy Stage to Keller. “We want to do those things to make you and our other tenants succeed.”
The new 24,000 square feet of hangar that SAI will lease is a first step in the airpark development, and is well under way. It should be ready for occupancy by November, Keller said, and will also house his company’s offices, avionics lab and workshops.
“It’s going to be a nice-looking facility and certainly what we need,” Keller said.
The company has a Crestview staff 18. He has a further 12 Sunshine Aero staff members working at its smaller refueling facility at the Florala, Ala., airport. Last year’s total sales surpassed $6.3 million.
“And we’re still growing,” Keller said proudly. “We try to hide what we do out there because it’s a lot of fun.”