ABOUT Us
Our Mission
At Wells Flying Service, it is our mission to not only be leaders in aerial application, but leverage our generational expertise, technology and extensive resources to produce and provide high quality agricultural services and products that not only meet the needs of our customers, but contribute to the ongoing growth and development in the agricultural world. We are committed to our lifetime mission that is centered around our heartfelt passion for aerial application, and Wells Flying Service’s continuing desire to provide exceptional services and products to all customers and communities we serve. Through generational determination that is deeply rooted in our daily operations, our goal will always remain to provide accurate, honest and committed services that will assist farmers in saving time, reduce costs, and improve yields through precise crop mapping and extensive crop analysis.
Our History
Back in the 1950s, Harley and Clara Wells set up their humble abode in a quaint farmhouse just outside Holdrege, Nebraska. It was during this time that Harley's aviation journey took flight, starting in 1954 with a Cessna 120. This marked the beginning of his aspiration to become an aerial applicator. In 1958, his dream materialized with the acquisition of his first agricultural aircraft, a CallAir. This significant milestone marked the birth of Wells Flying Service.
As the years rolled on, Harley's fleet underwent a transformation, shifting from Stearmans to Pawnees by the 1960s. The 1970s brought a new chapter to the business, with Dave, Harley's son, stepping into the operation. In 1973, Dave embarked on his own aviation journey, and by 1975, he and his wife Candy had taken the reins of the business, ensuring the continuation of the Wells aviation legacy.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Dave and Candy balanced family life with the demands of the farm and flying service. The fleet evolved to include Piper Braves, Thrush and Air Tractors, meeting the growing needs of the agricultural community.
The family's commitment to education saw Dave's sons Ryan and Nick pursue college degrees, though they eventually returned to the family business as private pilots. Business expansions followed, with new locations established and acquisitions made, propelling Wells Flying Service to heights of success.
With the passing of the torch from Dave to his sons Ryan and Randy in 2019, the legacy of Wells Flying Service continued, expanding to different locations and partnering with multiple businesses.
In 2020, the family faced an unexpected tragedy with Randy and Dave’s untimely passing. Despite this devastating loss, with their unwavering determination, Ryan, Nick, and the family continued to steer Wells Flying Service and the farmland, upholding their family values and the hard work that had been poured into their business.
Today, the family operates multiple locations, utilizing a diverse fleet equipped with state-of-the-art technology to serve their clients efficiently.
Ryan has six children. His son, Alex Wells, who is 24 now, helps manage operations during his college and law school off time. Ryan’s daughter, Ava, also stays involved by helping during the busy season and remotely while in college. Nick’s family, consisting of three children, remain in Holdrege and are involved in the community. Randy’s four young children also live in Holdrege and plan to as they grow through their school years.
Over the past decade, Wells Flying Service has continued to flourish as each family has stayed in Holdrege and found their respective roles in operations, flying sales, or business ownership. Despite the challenges and changes over the years, the Wells family remains dedicated to their roots, ensuring the continued success of Wells Flying Service for generations to come. The Wells family's adeptness at their craft is evident in their thriving enterprise.
Locations
Ogallala, NE
Started in 2013
Searle Field
150 Airport Road, Ogallala, NE 69153
Holdrege, NE
Home location since 1959
1425 Brewster Road, Holdrege, NE, 68949
Hebron, NE
New hangar in 2024, started flying off 2021
Hebron Municipal Airport
6150 US Hwy 136 Suite 1, Hebron, NE 68370
Campbell, NE
Second location, started in 2012
2365 B Road, Campbell, NE 68932-2604
Beloit, KS
Started flying in 2018
Moritz Memorial Airport
1520 W 8th Street, Beloit, KS 67420