Pat Epps Bio
Pat Epps, a native of Athens, Georgia and the youngest son of Ben T. Epps, graduated from Georgia Tech in 1956 and entered the United States Air Force in 1957. As a distinguished graduate of Class 58L, he became the fifth of Ben Epps’ sons to become a military pilot.
With over 10,000 flying hours as a commercial pilot with type ratings in North American B-25 Mitchell, Douglas DC-3, Learjet, and Cessna Citation, Epps continues to go “Above and Beyond.” Epps has been recognized amongst the honorees of the 1998 Gatherings of Eagles, an international group setting standards and paving the way for future air and space power. Epps has also been honored by the NBAA.
In 1999, Pat Epps received the NBAA American Spirit Award. In 2007, Epps Aviation was again recognized at the NBAA Annual Convention by receiving the John P. “Jack” Doswell Award for his lifelong dedication to general aviation and community volunteer work.
Epps led an 11-year quest to recover the Lost Squadron. In 1992, he succeeded in retrieving a WWII Lockheed P-38 Lightning buried beneath 265 feet of the Greenland ice cap. In June 1994, Epps piloted a friend’s DC-3 to France. As he flew over Normandy, veteran War World II paratroopers jumped to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of D-Day landings.
Pat and his wife Ann Epps, reside in Atlanta. Pat continues to work at the FBO. Their three children, Patrick, Marian and Elaine, all have their pilot’s license and presently work in the family business.