About Us & Staff

A career aviator known for conveying complex information in a simple and easy-to-understand way, Reece was the nation’s foremost authority on piloting MU2’s. He logged more than 33,500 flight hours – 18,900+ in the Mitsubishi MU-2B. He flew the MU2 both corporate and Part 135 for 30+ years and is also rated in Learjet, BA-3100 and Commercial Privileges Rotorcraft – Helicopter. Holds FAA Pilot Examiner (since 11/1991), PE, CIRE, FIE, ATPE, SPE/SFIE.

In November of 2008 Reece was enshrined as a member of the TENNESSEE AVIATION HALL OF FAME, received the Wright Brothers “MASTER PILOT AWARD”, for 50+ years of aviation without any incident, and was named “FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR 2008”.

Through the years, Reece built a company based on hands-on flight training designed to graduate pilots who are competent and confident in operating their aircraft. 

He has retired in 2023. All of us at Howell Enterprises are honored and committed to carrying on Reece’s tradition of excellence and safety in flight training.

I began my aviation career working line service in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 1986 while studying aerospace at MTSU. After flight instructing and building time, I settled in hauling checks with Tennessee Air Corporation. In time, I moved to Paragon Air Express, where I became Chief Pilot and Check Airman. In 1997, I began flying an F-model Mitsubishi for Nascar driver Bobby Hamilton, Sr. I was with him until he passed away in 2007. Since then, I have flown for Bobby Hamilton, Jr., and as a contract pilot for a wide array of MU-2 owners. I have 10,000+ hours total with 7,000+ hours being in various models of MU-2’s.

I look forward to carrying on Howell Enterprises’ tradition of excellence and safety in flight training.

I have always had a passion for airplanes.  After high school, I joined the United States Air Force and served from 1990-1998 as an aircraft refueling specialist.  Besides deploying for Desert Storm, my assignments included Myrtle Beach AFB, SC; Tyndall AFB, FL; Howard AFB, Panama; and Altus AFB, OK.  During those assignments, I was able to work around some awesome aircraft, like the A-10 Warthog, F-15, and AC-130 Gunship.

After my first flight lesson in 2008, I decided I wanted to pursue aviation as a new career. I built time and gained experience as a flight instructor and medevac pilot for a Nashville based company.  Since 2015, I have been flying as a corporate pilot. In addition to the MU2, I am certified in the Citation 560 and Citation 650. I was honored to join the team at Howell Enterprises as flight instructor in 2020. 

My first exposure to aviation came when I met my father-in-law, Air Force Colonel Thomas Barnes. He flew F100’s and F111’s, and when he retired, he became involved in the restoration of WWII aircraft with the Confederate Air Force.
When I became a customer service representative at Smyrna Air Center, I grew to love the excitement of working at an airport – it was a challenging job and no two days were alike.

I came to work for Reece in 2010 and have enjoyed every minute here.  I look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you might have regarding your flight training needs.