PAASS Presenter 2008-2009

Arlen Olson

Arlen Olson grew up on a farm in central Nebraska where he and his family enjoyed raising corn, and soybeans along with a cow/calf operation and a small feed lot. In those days, Arlen's Dad told many stories of his days as a T-6 Gunnery Instructor in the Army Air Corps. That stirred Arlen's interest in aviation and after serving two years in the Regular Army, Arlen began flying lessons. He earned his Private Pilot License in 1970 at Holdrege, Nebraska. In 1972, Arlen began working as an Ag Pilot for Westerlin Flying Service in Holdrege. He flew only a few hours that first year, but in 1973 he flew a 400-hour season in a Pawnee. In 1974, Arlen and his family started their own business in northern Phelps County, Nebraska.

Arlen has also been involved in corporate flying and flight training as well as being active in the Nebraska Aviation Trades Association service as a board member, Vice President, and then President. Arlen is also active in the NAAA, serving for many years as the board member for Nebraska. He has been the NAAA Long Range Planning Committee Chairman. Arlen was the 1998 recipient of the William O. Marsh Safety Award at the National Convention and Exposition.

Arlen has also been actively involved in flying air tankers doing wild land fire fighting with New Frontier Aviation located in Ft. Benton, Montana.

Arlen is the last remaining members of the original group of PAASS Presenters, appointed in 1999, which helped to make the PAASS program what it is today. He wants to help each of us become safer, better, and more professional operators and pilots. He hopes to instill awareness in each of us that we can always improve our own safety programs by sharing ideas and experiences.