Company Profile

About Southeast Aero

We are in the aircraft business, but that’s not all we are. At the hear t of our organization is a talented, experienced team of professional technicians and craftsmen.

In 1992, Southeast Aero opened its doors with the idea of giving our customers more than they expected. That determination has paid off - Today we enjoy a loyal and long-term following of customers who feel like friends.

We do this by expecting more from ourselves than others may expect from us; we take pride in our product – particularly in areas of service. As our customer you can expect honesty, commitment, respect and appreciation from us.

We recognize customers do business with us by choice. We seek to build relationships with customers who want the best service in our industry. We’re not the cheapest, but you will appreciate our value when you trust us with your business.

Southeast Aero People

Kramer Upchurch President and General Manager Kramer started Southeast Aero in 1992, and works as President and General Manager. Kramer is a former commercial banker, and has a private instrument rating and MBA from the University of Florida. kupchurch@southeastaero.com
Chip Bonner Extra Dept Manager Chip has been with Southeast Aero from the beginning, and is recognized throughout the United States as the Extra Aircraft expert. An A&P with IA and Air Force Veteran, Chip works closely with the Extra Factory in Germany to support the US fleet of Extra Aircraft. Chip has received multiple awards for Dale Carnagie training. cbonner@southeastaero.com
Douglas Vayda Director of Sales / Chief Pilot Doug functions as our functional test pilot for Cirrus, Cessna, Diamond, and Extra Aircraft, and is our demonstrator pilot and salesman for new Extra Aircraft. The son of an Air Force test pilot, Doug is a CFI with multi-engine and instrument ratings, along with Aerobatic low-level and banner waivers, with over 4500 hours logged, and is an AP with IA. dvayda@southeastaero.com
Tony Smith Avionics Dept Manager Tony has been with Southeast Aero from the beginning, and has decades of experience in the General Aviation Avionics industry. An Air Force Veteran, Tony FAA Radio and Instrument Repairman Certificates. tsmith@southeastaero.com
Bryan Wood Cirrus / Cessna Dept Manager Bryan has been in General Aviation over 20 years and is recognized as one of the foremost technicians in the Cessna 350/400 series aircraft and Cirrus 20 /22 series aircraft. bwood@southeastaero.com
Dave Kicklighter Aerobatic Flight Training Dave is a CFI with Multi-engine, instrument, and helicopter ratings. He is an Army Veteran, former AH-64A Apache pilot, with time in excess of 4500 hours. Dave performs Extra aircraft checkouts, ferries, and gives aerobatic course instruction at Southeast Aerobatics. dkick@southeastaero.com