Karl Bergey is a professional hangar bum much like the stockbroker who, when he speaks of aviation, others listen.

After all, Bergey was instrumental in developing two of the finest general aviation aircraft in the United States, the Piper PA-28 Cherokee series and the Commander 112 and 114 series.

Both of those planes are still very much in use by general aviation pilots around the world today.

Back in 1957, it was with Fred Weick and Howard (Pug) Piper at Piper Aviation Corp. in Vero Beach, Fla., that he made his first mark in aviation, working on design for the Cherokee series.  There in what was termed "the skunk works of general aviation," Bergey worked on the project to replace the popular Piper Tri-Pacer.  "Pug Piper (youngest son of founder William T. Piper Sr.) knew exactly what he wanted," Bergey said.  "It became my job to see that he got it."

The new aircraft was designated the PA-28, the 28th design in the Piper series.  It would be an all-metal airplane.  Others had either all or part fabric covering.  Only the Comanche` before was all metal, and the PA28 was made with many fewer parts.

Piper wanted a low wing to take advantage of ground effect and ground handling and to improve control in crosswinds, and he wanted a four-place bird powered by a four-cylinder powerplant of 150 or so horsepower.

He has authored more than 50 technical papers, served as a consultant to industry and government, and is a registered professional engineer.  He holds ten patents relating to aerospace, wind power, and medical technology.