03/20/2013 LeaseDoumis /Neat Biplane Proposal
Marathon Airport
January 30, 2013
Evan Doumis, Joy Doumis and Brad Neat would like to secure a lease for a biplane
ride operation on Marathon Airport Property.
History:
Conch Air had a successful biplane ride service in continuous operation for
approximately 10 years. It was popular with tourist and the biplane was a familiar
sight in the sky over Marathon. Both Evan Doumis and Brad Neat had flown for
Conch Air extensively over the course of the operation. This operation came to an
end in December 2011 when a newly hired pilot ran out of gas and landed the plane
in the ocean off Marathon. There were no injuries. Later in 2012 Freddie Cabanas
began offering rides out of the Marathon Airport, however his main base of
operations was Key West and there was never a full time presence of staff or
airplane in Marathon. At this point, Doumis /Neat began discussing placement of a
full time biplane at Marathon Airport with the Monroe County Airport staff. Fred
Cabanas was aware of our intentions although we didn't get an opportunity to
discuss it directly with him before his accident in Mexico. Out of consideration for
the family we do not feel it's proper to call at this time and inquire about their plans
for the Marathon operation. By the time of the March BOCC meeting this information
will probably be known. Either way, there is no reason to try to limit the operation
to one aircraft. It's a big airport with lots of un- utilized space.
Proposal:
Doumis and Neat have the necessary experience to successfully run a biplane ride
operation out of Marathon. Brad Neat has been working on the Marathon Airport in
positions ranging from FBO manager to Chief Pilot of a Charter operation to flight
instructor over the last 15 years. Neat flew seaplanes for Little Palm Island and
Seaplanes of Key West running trips to the Dry Tortugas. Evan Doumis was raised in
Marathon and went on to be an airline captain for Continental Connection in Key
West and currently flies for the State Dept. in Afghanistan. He owns a home in
Marathon and will be returning soon. Both Doumis and Neat are Certified Flight
Instructors and hold Airline Transport Pilot certificates. Doumis and Neat would
like to lease the space indicated on the accompanying maps and re- establish a full
time biplane ride operation in Marathon. Peter Horton has made it clear that this
will be a month to month lease as there may be a future need for this piece of
property. We are prepared to run a professional operation that will not look like
another carnival came to town.
Thank you for your consideration,
Brad Neat
305 - 393 -2764
Igot2fly @aol.com
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