About Us
Paul Beck & Eric Rudningen
Paul & Eric have teamed up with Mooney Aircraft to make OasisAero, a full Authorized Mooney Service Center.
Paul Beck & Eric Rudningen
Paul & Eric have teamed up with Mooney Aircraft to make OasisAero, a full Authorized Mooney Service Center.
Mechanic
Paul grew up in New London, Minnesota, and from an early age he showed a natural aptitude for fixing things. After graduation from New London-Spicer High School, he attended Thief River Falls Technical College where he earned his Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic Certificate in 1994. Paul worked at the Bellanca Aircraft Factory in Alexandria, Minnesota for a year and a half. In 1995 he was hired by Bruce Jaeger to work for Willmar Air Service. As a dedicated employee for Willmar Air Service, he served as a parts person, answered customer phone calls, towed aircraft, and assisted with fueling of aircraft. His primary position was as an A&P (airframe and power plant) mechanic doing general maintenance on aircraft until the early 2000’s. At that time, Paul and Bruce began working on a process to strip and re-seal fuel tanks in Mooney Aircraft. This process was the answer to a large looming problem with the aging Mooney fleet. Paul has continued to refine the process over the past 15 years. When Bruce sold Willmar Air Service in 2008, Paul began working on a way to buy out the fuel tank business, and in 2010 Weep no More LLC., was formed.
In an era where many general aviation business’ have struggled and failed, Paul has grown his business on the Willmar Municipal Airport, while strengthening his worldwide reputation as the best there is in Mooney fuel tank repair. He has expanded his tank re-sealing business to include a licensed operation in the Netherlands, and is the only strip and re-seal provider for Van’s RV experimental aircraft fuel tanks. Over the past 15 years, Paul has serviced over 800 aircraft with fuel tank issues.
Instructor/Mechanic
Eric grew up on a farm outside of Sunburg, Minnesota. Starting around the age of 5, Eric knew that he wanted to be a pilot. Following graduation from KMS High School in Kerkhoven, Eric attended the University of North Dakota. As part of the aviation curriculum at UND, he earned his Private Pilot’s Certificate in 1995, Commercial Certificate in 1997, Flight Instructor’s Certificate in 1998, Instrument Flight Instructor’s Certificate in 1998, and Multi-Engine Flight Instructor’s certificate in 1999. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Aeronautical Studies in 1999. To date, Eric has logged over 6000 flight hours in more than 60 different makes and models of aircraft. He has also given more than 2500 hours of fight instruction.
Eric was hired by Willmar Air Service in 1999 as a Flight Instructor. As he gained flying experience he also flew as a Part 135 Air Taxi Pilot. For personal reasons, Eric left the aviation world in the fall of 2002. For the next 5 years Eric worked with Gary Rudningen and Sons Construction, and Rudder Brothers Inc. as a carpenter, over-the-road truck driver, and dispatcher. In 2007 Eric was hired by TerWisscha Construction Inc, as a Pilot and Assistant Project Manager. Due to the economic down-turn in 2008-2009 Eric was laid off in March of 2009. In May of 2009 Eric and his wife Mariah formed Eric’s Aviation Services Inc. Eric’s Aviation Services Inc. focused on pilot service, flight instruction, and an apprentice maintenance program. Upon meeting the FAA requirements of working as an apprentice for a minimum of 30 months, Eric earned his Airframe and Power Plant Mechanic Certificate in April of 2012.
Following an RFP and selection the fall of 2012, Eric began filling the Contractual Position of Operations Supervisor for the Willmar Municipal Airport on January 1, 2013. As Operations Supervisor, Eric has helped to maintain the Willmar Municipal Airport safely and efficiently. In July of 2013 diligent efforts, along with knowledge of local airport users and hangar owners, aided in developing the relationships needed to bring and keep Life Link III at the Willmar Municipal Airport. Eric has continually shown his ability to balance the diverse operational needs of the users of the Willmar Municipal Airport.
In response to demands from local users, needs of local businesses, as well as aircraft owners across the state, Eric contacted the FAA for approval to test, prepared for testing, and in December of 2015 Eric earned Inspection Authority from the FAA.
Eric’s deep passion for aviation, commitment to the Willmar Airport community, uniquely diverse aviation experiences, and unparalleled knowledge of the day-to-day operations of the Willmar Municipal Airport ensure that the needs of all users of the Willmar Municipal Airport will be met by Oasis Aero, Inc.
© Oasisaero.com | All rights reserved | Design: bakergraphicsonline.com