Great Plains Aircraft Supply Founder Dies

November 4, 2015 - Steve Bennett, the founder and president of Great Plains Aircraft Supply Co., died October 26 in Bennington, Nebraska.

In his 35 years at Great Plains Aircraft, Steve designed and developed many items to improve the safety and reliability of the Type 1 VW for experimental aircraft. He conducted engine building workshops and forums on VW engines at both AirVenture and Sun ’n Fun.

Bennett obtained his private pilot certificate in 1970. He built and flew a KR1 and has flown over 3,000 hours in experimental aircraft. Through the years he was a director for EAA Chapter 135 in Des Moines, Iowa; newsletter editor for EAA Chapter 153 in Schaumburg, Illinois; and president of EAA Chapter 80 in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Steve attended EAA AirVenture Oshkosh every year from 1971 to 2012, plus a return trip in 2015. Great Plains Aircraft was an exhibitor at AirVenture from 1985 to 2013. He attended many KR aircraft gatherings and was one of the hosts of the KR gathering in Red Oak, Iowa, for two years.