Jay Agee started flying in 1977, shortly after NDB’s but well before the GPS. His first flight was at 14 years old with his friend and flight instructor, Jack Davis, in a Twin Beech 18 on a mail run to Memphis. He continued to receive dual in the 18 while simultaneously training in Jack’s personal J3 Cub until age permitted certification.
After earning the Private Pilot certificate at 17, Jay’s dad, Sam Agee, and Jack bought a DeHavilland Chipmunk that they converted to an airshow beast with a 0540, shorter/metal wings, inverted fuel and oil and a smoke system. Jay performed airshows in that taildragger with the Great American Air Circus for more than 6 years. He learned old school style stick and rudder control flying with aviation greats Kenny Blaylock, Jim Gaston, Jack Davis and Marion Cole.
Jay received instruction from US Aerobatic Champion Marion Cole in his famous S2A Pitts special to help him refine aerobatic maneuvers including the infamous inverted flat spin. Jay learned energy management in a tailwheel aircraft with Dewayne Cole who incredibly would cut the engine his Taylorcraft at 3000 feet, perform an entire aerobatic show on the way down, land and roll up the runway, up the taxiway, onto the ramp and bump the chocks from where he took off, every time.
An interesting mix of a solid tailwheel foundation with years of business class jets and twins, antique fabric aircraft repair and restoration, & fabric painting have enhanced Jay’s understanding of aviation, its principles, and flight control reactions.
From performing in airshows and flying 500-foot river runs in the J3 to navigating the RNAV into snowy Telluride in a Citation, Jay's unique, multi-faceted experience is exactly what sets him apart from others.