The Team

Mike Manclark

Project Leader / Crew Chief

Manclark co-founded Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. in 1989 and served as the corporation’s CEO until September 2013. Manclark holds a Commercial Multi-Engine and Helicopter licenses. He is an active Commissioner in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. He attended business school at Chapman College and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

mike@ov10squadron.com

Jason Erdkamp

OV-10 Consultant

Erdkamp has developed and executed strategic growth plans, expanded the FAA reporting business with consistent annual growth, and is the leading OV-10 broker in the nation.  He is a multi-engine pilot and ground instructor with certificates in Aircraft/Helicopter Maintenance, which provides him unique insights to the design, construction and repair of aircraft.  Erdkamp holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Matt Nightingale

Warbird Restoration Specialist

Matt brings a generation of aircraft restoration experience to a world class pool of aviation talent and knowledge at Chino Airport. With recent P-40’s, SeaFury’s and numerous other warbird projects, Matt and his team are dedicated to a safe, high quality and technically accurate restoration. [California Aero Lab]

Leading Edge Avionics

Prime Contractor for airframe wiring, avionics, instrument repair and upgrade.

Founded over four decades ago in beautiful Southern California, Leading Edge Avionics is recognized as one of America’s top avionics and instrument sales and service facilities. Centrally located within John Wayne Airport (SNA), Leading Edge Avionics is the go-to choice for owners and operators of a wide range of corporate jets and turboprops [visit Leading Edge Avionics]

VAL-4 Black Ponies

Consultants

This group is dedicated to the men and women who served in or supported the US Navy’s Light Attack Squadron FOUR (VAL-4) which flew the OV-10 Bronco aircraft. The squadron call sign was “Black Pony”. [visit blackpony.org]

Patty Wagstaff

Bronco Pilot & Consultant

In 2010 Patty started flying for Cal Fire as an Air Attack pilot in the OV-10 Bronco.  Cal Fire pilots fly both the OV-10 and the S2T Tanker out of 13 different bases, supporting firefighters on the ground. After flying for Cal Fire for three years, she has decided to return to Florida to start an aerobatic school, “Patty Wagstaff Aerobatic School” in St. Augustine, Florida.[visit pattywagstaff.com]