VALDOSTA — Previously operating out of a 300 square foot office in the general aviation building, Owens Aircraft, LLC has moved to the old Airport Medical facility that offers approximately 6,000 square feet of office and hangar space.

Valdosta Flying Service (VFS) was renting the space from the Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority, but the lease was reaccomplished allowing Owens Aircraft to pay $1430 per month for the office space and small hanger and VFS to rent the larger hanger for $1,100 per month.

David Owens has expanded his business and will be adding new services at the beginning of January. He officially took ownership of the new building Nov. 1. He has been in the process of renovating the facility for several months while the Airport Authority was determining the specifics of the lease.

The new services that Owens will provide involve education and FAA license testing for pilots and mechanics. In partnership with the Carolina School of Aviation, Owens will provide classroom, practice testing and official testing space in his new facility. His target students will most likely be people with previous experience that need a refresher course or extra knowledge in order to prepare for the federal test.

The facility is still under renovation, but Owens expects to be complete in mid to late December and classes will begin at the beginning of January. He is repainting, reflooring, installing computers and much more.

Owens Aircraft currently provides pilot services, chartering and aircraft management. Although he is excited about the new testing division, it is the aircraft management that is growing the most quickly. His new facility will boast both pilot and passenger lounges as well as many other features to benefit flyers.

Owens Aircraft, LLC is better known by the acronym OASIS. Not because its words, Owens Aircraft Safety Integrity Security, explain in more detail what services the business provides but because they exemplify the business’s values.

Owner David Owens claims that the values are simple: 1) Keep the customer alive; 2) Make the customer happy and 3) Keep customer information confidential.

Adhering to these values has helped his business succeed thus far. The new expansion can only help him better provide for his clients and passengers by keeping them safe, happy and secure.