Dace Kirk, founder and owner of Phoenix Composites, Inc. started his career in flying 41 years ago, starting with initial training at age 16, and acquiring his private pilot’s certificate at age 18. Over the years, he has added the ratings of Instrument, Commercial, Multi-engine, C.F.I., C.F.I.I., M.E.I., and C.E.500 Citation Jet (all types), to his certificate, as well as completed DAR training and A & P certificates.

He has worked as an active flight instructor for 23 years, with nearly 5,000 hours of flight instruction given, and total time over 6,500 hours.

In 1986 Dace first became active in the experimental aircraft movement, assisting local owners of Glasair kits in the construction and assembly, as well as test flying. As he became more active in the experimental composite aircraft community, he began to receive numerous requests for assistance of various types. In 1988, he began to pursue the idea of a builder assistance center for composite structure aircraft, and in 1989 he quit flying professionally and opened PHOENIX COMPOSITES, INC. The eighteen years since the company started have brought many changes, and expansion. Although the initial goal was to be active in building assistance only, over time it has evolved into a complete composite aircraft repair and service station.

Dace and Cherie Kirk with their Glasair III, prior to paint, in front of the former facility at Williams Gateway airport, formerly Williams Airforce Base. This Oshkosh EAA AirVenture 2000 award-winning aircraft - Best Composite - was built in the image of our company philosophy; it is representative of the products we produce, and the quality standards we adhere to - nothing less will do. You will find us at an airshow near you.