Steve Barnes was just one of many business leaders in Western New York who also piloted their own aircraft, including a father-son duo who often take to the air for work.

What You Need To Know

  • Many Western New York business leaders also double as pilots
  • Leaders fly out of both Jamestown and Dunkirk airports
  • Airport manager credits aviation service and lack of commercial competition

Jay Churchill, retired owner of Jamestown Electroplate in the city, traveled on business with his son Matt Monday, in their own private aircraft.

Both are also avid pilots, who are also carrying on board their thoughts of Friday's crash that killed attorney Steve Barnes and his niece.

"I was very sorry to hear about it. And just wondering what could have happened. But, it's sad for the family, It's a highprofile figure," said Jay Churchill.

"Shock, you know. Certainly sorrow for the family and the individual's lives touched by his loss," said Matt Churchill.

Matt is the founder of Water Street Brass in Lakewood, and has had his pilot's license since 2008, while Jay has been flying for almost 40 years.

Prior to take-off, they walk the perimeter of the aircraft, check the oil and inspect the exterior of plane, before heading inside.

Like Barnes, and late developer Marc Croce before him, the Churchills are just two of several area business leaders who maintain and pilot their own aircraft.

Matt and his co-pilot were en route to Worcester, outside of Boston, for meetings Monday, as he exports hardware to cities all over the nation. 

"A small aircraft and being able to fly in and out of these small airports has made my reach that much further and that much more convenient," said Matt Churchill.

"If he asked me to drive to Boston with him, I probably would think maybe not. Because we'd be spending the night and eating dinner there and everything else so. This is extremely convent, plus it's a lot of fun. We enjoy flying together," said Jay Churchill.

"It's a very practical way for businessmen to conduct their operations," said Ron Almeter, Chautauqua County Airports manager.

Almeter has a birds-eye view of the airfield, and says many business leaders fly their own planes out of Jamestown and Dunkirk given the level of service provided from aviation companies.

He says they're also not competing with commercial air space.

"Because we are publicly owned airports and we have the facilities that business owners, who also own their own aircraft, find suitable for their business needs," said Almeter.

Matt and Jay have had their mid-air mishaps, including alternator failures and landing gear issues. 

They say they're both very much aware of what can go wrong.

"I give it much thought when I carry my two young children and my wife in the aircraft. Or anyone for that matter. I would say, ‘no I don't get nervous,’ but I am very thoughtful about the approach," said Matt Churchill.

After a successful take-off, the two were scheduled to land back in Jamestown late Monday afternoon.

"And have dinner with my family and sleep in my own bed tonight. I can't beat that," said Matt Churchill.