Terry Blome
Terry has always had a passion for flying, a love that began in his early childhood. As a young boy, his mother would bring home wooden orange crates from the grocery store, and he would fashion them into makeshift airplanes, imagining himself soaring through the skies. Growing up next to a farm with a runway and planes, Terry spent countless hours watching aircraft come and go, fueling his dream to fly.
At the age of 14, he had his first unforgettable experience when a crop duster pilot, flying a Grumman Ag Cat, invited him for a ride. The aircraft was a one-seater, so the pilot took the lid off of the chemical tank and said “come on”. Without hesitation, Terry climbed into the chemical tank and fell in love with aviation. A neighbor, recognizing his passion, introduced him to flying by allowing Terry to take rides in his Tri Pacer and Cub. This early exposure led him to pursue pilot training in Taylorville, Illinois, where he earned his Private Pilot License in 1976.
Throughout his life, Terry’s journey in aviation has been diverse and adventurous. Although he had to step away from flying during the early years of raising a family, his passion never waned. In the 1990s, while watching a news story about 21 people building 2/3 scale Jennys, he found his way back into the skies. He joined a group building their own aircraft and quickly immersed himself in learning, drawing on the generosity of fellow aviators who shared their knowledge to guide him.
To deepen his understanding, Terry volunteered at the Air Combat Museum, where he gained hands-on experience restoring vintage aircraft and working on a variety of planes. During this time, he also began flying again and joined the Flying 20 Club, where he honed his skills and expanded his horizons.
It was through this journey that Terry crossed paths with Myron Suns, a World War II flight instructor and seasoned aviator. Myron, with his vast experience and endless patience, took Terry under his wing and taught him how to become a test pilot. Together, they flew over 35 to 40 different types of planes, further shaping Terry's aviation expertise.
Terry’s aviation journey continued as he built and flew his own aircraft, sold it, took on new projects, managed maintenance for the Flying 20 Club’s airplanes, and eventually became part-owner of a Citabria. His deep passion for aviation led him to cross paths with brilliant minds like Paul Settles, whose expertise in aircraft maintenance further enriched his knowledge.
Today, as Vice President of EAA Chapter 770, Terry plays a vital role in supporting the growth and development of the chapter. His journey began with helping John Salz expand the chapter, and since then, he has dedicated himself to fostering a welcoming and thriving community. Terry’s focus is on empowering others to lead, mentoring members, and contributing wherever he can to ensure the chapter continues to grow.
With over 67 different types of aircraft flown, Terry holds ratings that include a Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, Instrument Rating, and Tailwheel Endorsement. At one time, he even served as an airshow pilot. His love for flying extends to mentoring other pilots as they refine their skills.
Terry’s passion for aviation is matched only by his other interests—he is also an accomplished builder and an avid hobbyist, spending his time on smaller aviation projects. When he’s not in the air, he pursues his other passion, Hypnosis. Terry performs comedy stage hypnosis shows across the country and teaches and lectures on hypnosis at conferences nationwide.
Throughout his lifetime in aviation, Terry has been fortunate to meet countless individuals who have generously shared their time and knowledge with him. He credits these experiences with shaping his path and fueling his love for flying.
Terry’s journey in aviation is far from over, and he remains excited to see what the future holds—whether it’s in the cockpit or on the ground, helping others achieve their aviation dreams.
