About Us

             Estherville Aviation was founded in 1997 when Paul and Arlys Slaughter purchased Pritts Aviation from Steve and Diana Pritts who had operated the FBO for about 16 years.  Paul and Arlys wanted to return to a smaller, rural community from where they were living in Michigan.

            It was a good move and is a great place to live and raise a family.  Two children, Luke and Emily also are part of our family operation.  The small town life and farming community requires an emphasis on personal, friendly service.  If someone has a bad experience, it is easy to become common knowledge so we strive for customer satisfaction.  We try to treat others the way we would want to be treated.  This philosophy has served us well.

            Paul attended a technical school in Colorado to become an Airframe and Powerplant mechanic and also began flying lessons at that time.  By the time he had his A&P he also had his instrument rating and most of his Commercial pilot’s license completed.  At that time, he was preparing for work as a Christian mission pilot/mechanic.

            After three years of general aviation mechanic experience and passing his Inspector’s Authorization, Paul and Arlys joined Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) for a one year term in Suriname, South America to rebuild a crashed Cessna 206.  It was good experience and they were asked if they would like to extend their time with MAF and do another rebuild in Ecuador.  They agreed and moved to Shell, Ecuador to construct an airworthy Cessna 185 out of two wrecked aircraft. But first he had to complete another project 185 including paint and interior. 

            After two years in Ecuador with a short project in Guatemala, Paul, Arlys and son Luke moved to Orange City, Iowa where Paul finished his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and then took a job in Niles, Michigan as a director of maintenance at a small charter operator.  After one year with that job, Paul and Arlys stepped out on faith and purchased the FBO in Estherville and so began Estherville Aviation.  In 2000, it was incorporated.

            Paul’s attention to detail has been a good fit for working on aircraft and dealing with the FAA’s paperwork requirements.  He likes making sure everything is in proper order.

            Thank you for your interest in our history and a little about how we came to be at the Estherville airport.