Leading Edge Aviation began it roots as an aircraft detailing business at John Wayne Airport back in 1989. Mike Manclark then a budding entrepreneur with a dream to build a successful Aviation Services company is shown here washing a privately owned Turbo Prop. His dream became a reality as today Leading Edge Aviation Services has five facilities with revenues over $27 million.

Leading Edge Aviation Services started with five employees in 1989, and expanded almost immediately. “The reason we grew so fast is I am a real stickler for top-quality work.” said Manclark. “We stand behind our work, and we do it perfectly.”

Merrion Morris buffs metal after it has been cleaned at Leading Edge Aircraft Painting, Inc. in Greenville, Mississippi.

An American West Airlines Boeing 757, bearing the freshly painted logos and colors of the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks, is wheeled out at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport before its maiden voyage Friday after being painted by Leading Edge Aviation Services.

In just four days, Leading Edge Aviation crew works 24/7 to complete the project after a Michigan company encountered bad weather and could not complete the project. The plane was to be used in a movie starring Harrison Ford and this was a first for Leading Edge Aviation Services.

Leading Edge put the luster back into a DC-3 by restoring a 57-year-old relic the glory days of America’s airline industry. The plane is pictured here at Amarillo International Airport and was built by Douglas Commercial Aircraft. It was commissioned by American Airline in 1955.

Leading Edge Aviation services, located at the Arkansas Aeroplex, has doubled its production since it first began full-time operations in July. The company plans to open another production line and occupy three of the five Aeroplex hangers by Jan. 3, 1999.

The enormous plane landed at Leading Edge Aviation Services in Blytheville to receive a new paint scheme. The plane has a wingspan of 156 feet, 3 inches.

A Leading Edge Aviation Services employee prepares to mask the Hustler’s colorful insignia. The aircraft’s commemorative marker notes that the B-58 was the world’s first supersonic strategic bomber and set numerous records over its 10-year operational history.

Hundreds line up for new jobs, while Greenville Mayor Paul Artman Jr. (Left) hands Leading Edge President Mike Manclark a toy airplane during a press conference held at the Mid-Delta Regional Airport on Thursday.