Employee Profiles

Mark Yost, Shop Foreman

Mark has been with us the longest, coming to Radial Engines, Ltd. in 1989. His primary duty as Shop Foreman is to oversee the Final Assembly area where the overhauled parts come together from the various departments, are given final inspection, then built up as subassemblies, and finally assembled as an engine. Mark’s years of experience assembling radial engines and his attention to detail have contributed greatly to making the Radial Engines, Ltd. overhauled engine the highest quality engine available today. Mark lives near our shop in south Logan County, OK with his wife Alix and their two children.

John Port - Final Assembly Technician

John is an engine assembly specialist in the Final Assembly Room. Since 1995 John has worked in various capacities here at REL and has a well-rounded understanding of the intricacies of the radial engine. It is at John’s workbench that the engine goes from a cart of clean and inspected parts to an assembled engine. His attention to detail has enabled John to excel in his position and has earned him his reputation as a meticulous engine builder. John lives in Edmond, OK with his wife Mary and their four children.

Don Hughes - Engine Test Technician

Don began with Radial Engines, Ltd. in 2000 as our engine test technician. After final assembly of the overhauled engine is complete, the engine proceeds to Don’s area where it is outfitted with fittings and adapters so that it can be mounted on the portable test truck. Don is also responsible for the beautiful final detailing that each engine receives after its test run. Don lives in Oklahoma City with his wife Lindy and their two daughters.

Octavio Hernandez - Cylinder Technician

Octavio joined Radial Engines, Ltd. in 1997 as a technician in the cylinder room. Octavio’s responsibilities include overhauling cylinder assemblies, valves, rocker arms and related assemblies. Valve guides are normally replaced at overhaul, valves and seats are ground and lapped, and the cylinders are returned to factory-new tolerances. Octavio has become adept at developing the three angle valve seat, a process that gives the valve a narrow seating area and contributes to long, trouble free service. Octavio lives in Oklahoma City with his wife, Sandra, and their two children.

Patrick Doyle - Welding & Machine Shop/Ignition Specialist

Pat joined Radial Engines, Ltd. in 1997 and has become our foremost expert in magneto, distributor and wiring harness overhaul. Under Pat’s direction, the magneto and wiring harness process has been perfected to a science. Pat is also indispensable as Radial Engines, Ltd.’s all round troubleshooter. If we have a fixture or jig that needs to be built, Pat can be given the job with the knowledge that he can not only build it, but can design it as well. Pat lives in Oklahoma City.

Brandon Barker - Operations Manager

Brandon came to Radial Engines, Ltd. in early 2001 and was recently made the Director of Operations. His primary duty is the coordination of the various areas within the Repair Station. In an engine overhaul it is important that the new parts necessary for overhaul arrive in the Final Assembly area at the same time as the parts that have been overhauled in other areas of the Repair Station. Brandon’s managerial skills are essential to the smooth day-to-day working of the shop. Brandon lives in Cashion Oklahoma with his wife Heather and their two children.

Caleb Curry - General Manager

Caleb began working on radial aircraft engines at the tender age of ten, disassembling engines and cleaning parts for $1.00/hr.! During high school and college he worked part time and summers at Radial Engines, Ltd., coming on full time in 1997 as General Manager. Having grown up in the business, Caleb brings a wealth of antique engine experience as well as enthusiasm to see Radial Engines, Ltd. grow and expand its product line. Caleb lives in Oklahoma City with his wife, Rebekah and their two daughters.

Steve Curry - President

Steve founded Radial Engines, Ltd. in 1981 as an outgrowth of his antique aircraft hobby. From a one-man shop in the early 80s, Radial Engines, Ltd. has grown to be the world’s largest and most experienced FAA Certified Repair Station overhauling the small radial engines. Steve continues to be very involved in the day-to-day functions of the shop as we are settling into our new facility. Steve lives near the new airport in south Logan County, OK with his wife, Sandy, and daughter, Abby.

Pat Rannells - Office Manager

Pat came to Radial Engines, Ltd. in 1999 as our receptionist and Office Manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience in office management. From filing and invoicing to payroll and dealing with insurance companies, the Oklahoma Tax Commission and the IRS; Pat does it all! Pat lives in Oklahoma City with her husband, Bob, and daughter, Christa.

Phillip Eichor - Chief Inspector

Since coming to Radial Engines, Ltd. in 1999, Philip has served as first an ignition specialist repairing magnetos and wiring harnesses, then later as Chief Inspector for the facility. While in the Ignition Room, Philip streamlined processes and organized the magneto overhaul operations to a high degree. In his present position as Chief Inspector Philip has continued to bring his expertise and organizational skills to this critical operation. Philip lives in Guthrie with his wife Angie and their daughter.

Marcos Hernandez - Final Assembly Technician

Marcos has been with us since 1998 and specializes in the assembly of oil pumps, generator drives, and accessory housings. He is also one of our most skilled Final Assembly Technicians and many of the engines overhauled at Radial Engines, Ltd. are a product of his workmanship. Marcos lives in Oklahoma City with his wife.

Rodney Fields - Paint Specialist

Prior to coming to Radial Engines, Ltd. Rodney worked as an automotive painter and became skilled at applying the high quality paint jobs that custom cars require. He brings this same attention to detail and impeccable workmanship to his painting of the engine cases and cylinders at Radial Engines, Ltd. Rodney also repairs push rod tubes and ignition harness looms prior to their being sent for decorative chrome plating. Rodney lives in Crescent Oklahoma.