TAAA 2026 President
Brad Lauderdale, San Antonio, TX, Liberty Flying Service
Dear Members and Families of the TAAA,
It is a privilege to serve as President of this esteemed organization. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated board to advance agricultural aviation in Texas. Our members are our most valuable asset; through collective membership, we can educate future pilots, advocate for beneficial policy changes, and foster industry growth. United, our voice can drive meaningful progress.
As we enter the new year, I extend my best wishes for a productive, safe, and prosperous season.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our organization and to the advancement of agricultural aviation. Together, we will continue to protect our industry from over-regulation and engagement when we need to.
Brad Lauderdale
Biography
Brad Lauderdale, a native of Caldwell, Texas, developed a passion for aviation and agriculture through his family’s legacy, a third-generation ag pilot, he has been influenced by many. His father Kenneth, Charles Torkelson, and other close family friends who love to fly. His main inspiration was his grandfather Harry Gourley, a WWII B-17 Air Force pilot and ag pilot in his own right who taught Brads father and mother Cathy as well as other family members to fly. Brad soloed at sixteen at Weslaco Airport in 1996. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 2003 and joined the Air Force Reserves in the same squadron that his grandfather served flying the C-5A, B and M Super Galaxy. He has flown globally with the military aiding in evacuations, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi Freedom and many other operations throughout the world. After a deployment at Kandahar AB in 2011 flying the Global 5000, Brad decided to return to Ag Aviation. The last few years he also picked up another flying gig at Southwest Airlines.
Guided by one of his mentors, Charles Torkelson, Brad worked at Torkelson flying service and Lauderdale Aerial Spraying. With Mr. Torkelsons guidance and expertise Brad moved forward with another goal achieved and established Liberty Flying Service in 2017 and became an operator.
Brad resides in San Antonio with his wife Tanya and their two children, Cassidy and Mitchell.
With over 32 years flying and 9 years of service on the TAAA board, Brads passion for this business is what drives him to help others find their place in aviation.
It is a privilege to serve as President of this esteemed organization. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated board to advance agricultural aviation in Texas. Our members are our most valuable asset; through collective membership, we can educate future pilots, advocate for beneficial policy changes, and foster industry growth. United, our voice can drive meaningful progress.
As we enter the new year, I extend my best wishes for a productive, safe, and prosperous season.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our organization and to the advancement of agricultural aviation. Together, we will continue to protect our industry from over-regulation and engagement when we need to.
Brad Lauderdale
Biography
Brad Lauderdale, a native of Caldwell, Texas, developed a passion for aviation and agriculture through his family’s legacy, a third-generation ag pilot, he has been influenced by many. His father Kenneth, Charles Torkelson, and other close family friends who love to fly. His main inspiration was his grandfather Harry Gourley, a WWII B-17 Air Force pilot and ag pilot in his own right who taught Brads father and mother Cathy as well as other family members to fly. Brad soloed at sixteen at Weslaco Airport in 1996. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 2003 and joined the Air Force Reserves in the same squadron that his grandfather served flying the C-5A, B and M Super Galaxy. He has flown globally with the military aiding in evacuations, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom/ Operation Iraqi Freedom and many other operations throughout the world. After a deployment at Kandahar AB in 2011 flying the Global 5000, Brad decided to return to Ag Aviation. The last few years he also picked up another flying gig at Southwest Airlines.
Guided by one of his mentors, Charles Torkelson, Brad worked at Torkelson flying service and Lauderdale Aerial Spraying. With Mr. Torkelsons guidance and expertise Brad moved forward with another goal achieved and established Liberty Flying Service in 2017 and became an operator.
Brad resides in San Antonio with his wife Tanya and their two children, Cassidy and Mitchell.
With over 32 years flying and 9 years of service on the TAAA board, Brads passion for this business is what drives him to help others find their place in aviation.
