Support for Captain Charlie Snow

1960. That’s the year our father Charlie Snow first started flying. He was 14 years old and now he’s 77. Flying for him has always been a source of joy, passion, and hospitality. It has provided him with countless hours of enjoyment and countless ways to meet and talk with new people – one of his favorite things to do!

In 1986 Charlie’s passion for flying reached a new level when he purchased his first aircraft, a 1978 Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance. Then, in 1997, his dream of owning an aircraft charter business came true when he launched Outer Banks Air Charters.

Running a private air charter business is not for the faint of heart. The margins are tight, and the maintenance is expensive. Despite the difficulties, Charlie grew his passion into a thriving business that became the go-to air charter service for people flying to and from the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Charlie ran the debt-free business successfully for more than 26 years. During that time, he built relationships across the United States and established an ever-growing list of loyal customers – many of whom are still his good friends today.

As with most small businesses, Charlie has had to wear different hats over the years to keep the business running well. The more the business grew, however, the more he wished he could focus on what he loved the most – flying. So when the opportunity came along for him to spend more time flying and to get the much needed help to continue to grow the business, he welcomed it, selling a portion of his business to several individuals he trusted.

For those of you who know Charlie, you know how big his heart is. Unfortunately, in this case, Charlie’s generosity and trust of people have been used against him. While many promises were made, few of them were kept. Once Charlie transitioned from sole proprietor to one of several shareholders, the new ownership quickly started squeezing him out, going so far as to ground his aircraft which prevented him from flying and, thus, earning an income. Even though he is the healthiest and most qualified pilot, they do not let him fly.

To make matters worse, the new ownership has drained the company bank account and has used funds from the business, including money Charlie invested in the company, to sue him. We can only assume this is an attempt to force him to leave the company with nothing. This turn of events breaks our hearts as his children.

The sad truth of the matter is that our father has poured more than blood, sweat, and tears into his business – he’s also poured his life savings into it. Our father did not ask us to put together this fundraiser. However, we know that there are a lot of people who understand the situation, and who care about him. Also, there are many who have seen situations like this where elderly people are taken advantage of. We are raising funds to help make amends for his losses and to help cover his legal fees and 100% of all donations go to only that; legal fees and litigation.

This year Charlie will be honored by receiving the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot award in a ceremony by the FAA. The award marks 50 years of accident-free, violation-free flying. Unfortunately, Charlie is not able to fly the aircraft he once loved for the reasons mentioned above.

Thank you for taking the time to read Charlie’s story and for your consideration in making a donation. In addition, please share Charlie’s story with others who may also want to contribute.

Sincerely,

Brian Snow and Jennifer Snow Thomas