Page 10 - Volume 11 Number 10

Mark Hicks, founder and president of Hicks Lightning Protection, built a 10,000-square-foot hangar at Denton Enterprise Airport this year. One of the features is this Pearl Jam tribute wall, with concert posters from Hicks’ favorite band.
Future fleet
Earlier this year, Hicks built a new 10,000-square-foot hangar at Denton Enterprise Airport, an indication he plans to grow his use of business aviation.
“The main reason for building the hangar was that the airport we stay at in Denton didn’t have much space for a King Air-size airplane,” Hicks said.
“I decided to build my own, plus it gives me the ability to not have to work through an FBO or lease space.”
The hangar features restrooms, an office, a bar and a wall dedicated to Pearl Jam. “I’m just a huge Pearl Jam fan and I started collecting their concert posters 20 years ago,” Hicks said. “The collection has gotten pretty big, so my wife isn’t letting me hang them at home anymore.”
There’s also room to grow his fleet. Hicks plans to always keep a King Air 200 in his fleet and likely will trade the Citation in the near future for another King Air 350, which has become his favorite model.
“The 200 is just an overall great plane and very economical,” he said. “And I love the cabin layout and feel of the 350. For most of our flying in Texas, you’re not going to be there any sooner if you fly a jet versus a King Air. We love the pilot availability and how easy it is to get parts for the King Airs. Plus, they hold their value well.”
Added Oshman, “The Citation goes faster, farther and higher, but for Mark’s business purposes, the King Air is the best bang for the buck.” KA
8 • KING AIR MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2017