Paul New: Paul began working on airplanes as a child in Hot Springs, Arkansas, helping his dad with the latest airplane restoration project. He soloed the day after his sixteenth birthday, completed his private pilot's certificate when he was seventeen, and added the multi-engine rating that same year. Paul completed the avionics curriculum at Southern Illinois University (SIU), earning his Associates Degree in Applied Science – Avionics Technology in 1981.
From graduation until the Fall of 1986 Paul worked for a commuter airline and then a large FBO starting an avionics department for each. During this time he gained experience on most all single engine aircraft and larger planes including DeHavilland Twin Otters, Hadley Page Jet Streams, Hawker Siddeley 748s, and BAC 1-11s. In 1981 he was requested to be a member of the systems team for the NTSB, investigating the crash of a Hawker Siddeley 748. During the course of the investigation, Paul participated in field investigation and lab research performed at NTSB facilities in Washington, D.C. and Dallas, TX.
In 1986, Paul moved back to Jackson, Tennessee and began working with his father in the airplane restoration business. Paul holds an FAA Airframe & Powerplant Certificate, FAA Inspection Authorization, and recently was appointed as an FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative. With his experience in major aircraft repairs, flight, and aircraft recovery, Paul has also been retained on many occasions as a consultant to insurance companies and attorneys for aircraft accident re-creations and investigations.