Don Nikkel - CEO and Engine Shop Manager

Don has been a practicing AME for 56 years. In that time, he has seen and fixed just about every possible problem an airplane can have. His unparalleled experience and depth of knowledge have made him a legend in the trade. He’s the guy other AMEs call on when an unusual problem leaves them completely stumped.

The aviation bug bit Don early in life. In 1951, at the age of 16, he soloed a Taylorcraft at Stevenson Field (now Winnipeg International Airport). At 17, he earned is private pilot’s wings in a Stinson 105. In order to finance his love of flying Don went to work as an apprentice aviation mechanic. With a natural aptitude for all things mechanical, the learning came easy and by 1955, at just 20 years of age, Don had earned his maintenance engineer license.

Shortly after earning his ticket Don joined the RCAF as a civilian engineer working on big transports and bombers. After two years with the RCAF Don was offered a position at Canadian Pacific Airlines where he acquired engineer tickets for the DC-3, DC-6B and DC-8 transport category aircraft. In 1973 Don decided it was time to strike out on his own and joined Valley Aero Engines as a full partner.

In the 56 years Don has been practicing he's worked on almost every general aviation airplane and engine manufactured in North America since 1930. From big radials, to the famous Rolls-Royce Merlin, to today's modern flat piston engines, Don has seen them all. He's also worked on more than a few warbirds including the: DC-3, Britannia (turbo prop), Harvard, Tiger Moth, Anson, Cornell, PBY (Canso), York, Waco, Beech 18, and B-25 Mitchell bomber.

As a pilot, Don has flown most of North America. With Lorraine, his wife and navigator by his side, they regularly flew to Florida, Mexico and the Bahamas in their Cessna 210 and later their Piper Aztec. Over the years Don and Lorraine owned a number of aircraft, including a Cessna 140, 172, 180, 210 and the Aztec.

Although he doesn’t do a lot of "hands on" work these days, Don is still one of the best carburetor and magneto troubleshooters around. With his incredible years as both a pilot and an engineer, he brings to Valley Aero unparalleled leadership and a depth of knowledge and experience that no other shop can can match.

Hardy Kaler - Maintenance Shop Manager

Hardy graduated from BCIT in 2001 and was awarded his AME license in 2004. He’s been working at Valley Aero ever since. In fact, Hardy likes working at Valley Aero so much that he recently bought into the company as a partner. When Don eventually decides to hang up his wrenches Hardy will take over the reins.

Currently, you’ll find Hardy heading up the maintenance division where he's usually buried under a mountain of paperwork; his least favorite task, but somebody’s got to do it. With extensive experience in both the maintenance and engine overhaul sides of the business he can be counted on to offer sound advice when it comes time to decide whether to overhaul or continue to maintain an engine.

Hardy's worked on a wide range of aircraft, including: Turbo Otters, Aerostars, Helio Couriers, Navions, Lake Buccaneers, Bonanzas, Mooneys, Bellancas, almost the entire Piper line and the complete line of Cessna singles and twins. His favorite of the bunch is the Navion.

Hardy’s advice for aircraft owners is: “Don’t cheap out on maintenance. Saving a hundred dollars today can end up costing you thousands at your next annual or 100 hour. Snags never get better; they only get worse and worse costs more.”

Terry Heinbecker - Engine Shop Lead Engineer

A long time member of our engine shop crew, Terry did his AME training at BCIT. He earned his license in 1974 and has been working on airplanes ever since. As lead engineer in the engine shop, Terry’s the man who will oversee every detail of your engine overhaul.

Over the years Terry has built literally hundreds of engines and along with all modern types, he's also a fully conversant on big complex radials. He's logged thousands of hours on Beavers, Otters, Beech 18s and the Grumman Goose. Terry is also fully qualified to overhaul most engine components including starters, alternators, magnetos and carburetors.

One of toughest assignments Terry was ever handed was to salvage a Beaver that had sunk in the Fraser River. Working directly over the water in absolutely miserable conditions he was able to refloat the aircraft and eventually returned it to active flying service. That experience must have struck a chord with Terry because, to this day, the de Havilland Beaver is his favorite airplane.

When asked what advice he’d like to pass on to prospective aircraft buyers Terry says: “Know exactly what you’re buying before you sign the deal and make sure you have an AME complete a pre-purchase inspection. That could save you thousands of dollars.”

Steve Dadson - Maintenance Shop Lead Engineer

Steve completed his AME training at BCIT in 1998 and received his AME license in 2000. Before coming to Valley Aero he worked for several BC Interior air services and was Director of Maintenance for a well known air charter service for several years.

Steve brings to Valley Aero a wide range of experience in both piston and turbine aircraft. His years as a director of maintenance gives him a great understanding of the problems DOMs face when they call Valley Aero with AOG aircraft. His considerable knowledge and skill are an invaluable resource for our apprentice AMEs. Just a few of the aircraft he’s qualified on are: Fokker Fairchild, Metroliner 2 and 3, KingAir 99, 100 and 200 Medivac, Jetstream 31 and 32, Beaver, Otter, Turbo Otter, Twin Otter and every Cessna, Piper, Beech and Mooney piston aircraft made.

Of all the aircraft he’s worked on, Steve’s favorite, by a long shot, is the KingAir 200. And, although he won't often admit it, he has a soft spot for Navions and has significant experience working on them.

With an eagle eye for detail, if you're looking for a thorough pre-purhcase inspection Steve's the man to do it. His advice to aircraft owners is: “Know exactly what you want to do with an aircraft before you buy one. Narrow your search to aircraft with capabilities that match your mission profile and don’t buy up or down from that.”