J. RUSSELL “MOTHER” ARMSTRONG

Russell Armstrong began flying in the mid-1970s and achieved a milestone early in life, soloing a 1939 Piper J-3 Cub on his 16th birthday in Bonham, Texas—before even earning his driver’s license, which he obtained shortly after high school. His flight instructor, Lt. Weldon Bragg, was a decorated WWII B-17 pilot whose mentorship helped shape Russell’s lifelong passion for aviation.

Today, Russell is an instrument-rated commercial pilot with certifications including Single-Engine Land and Sea, Multi-Engine Land, and Commercial Rotorcraft. He also holds type ratings in the L-39 Albatros, BAC Jet Provost, and BAC Strikemaster. An active member of the Classic Jet Aircraft Association (CJAA), Russell has served as both Board Member and Treasurer and currently contributes as an Advisory Director.

Russell earned his Formation & Safety Team (FAST) Wing Card in 2021 and his FAST Lead Card in 2022. He serves as Lead Pilot for the Lone Star Jet Team, flying the Thunderbird L-39. Over the years, he has owned and flown a diverse range of aircraft, including the Mooney M20, Maule M-7-235, de Havilland Beaver, Bonanza A36, Legend Cub, Piper J-3 Cub and Super Cub, Cessna 150 and 172, Cessna 414A Chancellor, BAC Jet Provost Mk. 5, Aero L-39 Albatros, Beechcraft Super King Air B200, Bell OH-58A Kiowa, and the iconic Bell UH-1H Huey helicopter.

A meaningful highlight of Russell’s flying is honoring Vietnam veterans by flying former pilots, crew members, and troops in the UH-1H at events nationwide.

Beyond aviation, Russell has built a long-standing career in financial services since 1982. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner and financial advisor based in Commerce, Texas.

Russell married his high school sweetheart, Lee Ayer, in 1984. Together, they have two adult children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and three granddaughters.