The Aviation Craftsman

An Interview with Lance Lockhart of Wyldebyrd Art

By Annamarie Buonocore

Here at In Flight USA, we come across many who are passionate about flying. Sometimes this passion goes beyond the sport itself, and many enthusiasts take to decorating their homes, businesses, and cars with aviation decorations and furniture. To satisfy this second level of passion, look no further than Wyldebyrd Art, the premier online store of aviation woodwork and art. In Flight USA is excited to have interviewed the master craftsman and artist behind these decorations. Lance Lockhart, a third-generation craftsman enjoys sharing his talents with pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and many others looking for new and exciting ways to decorate their space. He manages to run this successful operation while working as a Southwest Airlines pilot and being a full-time father of two. This is his story:

IF USA: How long have you been doing this work?

LL: I printed up my first photo in September of 2013. I printed up some photos at FedEx Kinkos (paid too much), DC3 print, a 757, one of the Janet 737 200s that flies out of Vegas, and then I did my logo. I did a red and yellow print, and that’s how I got started.

IF USA: Where are you based?

LL: I am based in Phoenix, Ariz. I live in Mesa. I have two semi-industrial facilities in Phoenix. One is for making noise and one for displaying my pieces. This is a showroom where customers can come to look at my work.

IF USA: Where are you from originally?

LL: I am Canadian by birth. I lived in Tennessee for several years before settling down in Arizona.

IF USA: How did you become interested in flying?

LL: My dad was a bush pilot in Northern Ontario. He started an aviation business. Through that, I became the carpenter, and I built their facilities. A couple years later, after finishing college, I got my pilot’s license and worked in the family business full time.

IF USA: You mentioned you are a commercial pilot? What airline do you work for?

LL: I am a Captain for Southwest Airlines.

IF USA: How long have you been flying?

LL: I have been flying since 1989 (28 years).

IF USA: What are some examples of things you build?

A Wyldebyrd Keychain

LL: My specialty… I feel I am best in the market for luggage tags and keychains. I do it in the shape of a 737 or 747. I use parts of the plane and put them in the keychain.

IF USA: How are they sold? Online or in your facility?

LL: I do by appointment at my warehouse when I am home. I also do it on Etsy, which is like Amazon for handmade goods.

IF USA: Is anybody else involved in the business?

LL: It’s just me. I do all the design work, planning, purchasing, preparation of materials, and sales and shipping.

IF USA: How much is one luggage tag?

LL: The ones made out of aircraft kits go for $25. The ones made out of rare pieces are more expensive. However, they start at $10. The higher end pieces start at $25. I also do various forms of wall art and have a lot of pieces that I repurpose. I have propellers for sale. I make coffee tables and mirrors. For the most part, I sell memorabilia.

IF USA: Do you have a website besides Etsy?

LL: I do have wyldebird.com, but I use Etsy and eBay. It is easier to display what I have. Last year, I hit 700 sales. A sale can be one item or 10 items. In the country, I have the highest volume of aviation artists, like the mom and pop size ones. I try to connect aviation lovers.

IF USA: What are your plans for the future with this business?

LL: My plan for the future is to continue to provide pieces that people want in their homes. I get many requests for different aircraft types. I try to meet those the best I can, but it can be hard because the aircraft might have been repainted or torn down. Sometimes aircraft are no longer available. My goal is to continue what I am doing and to keep flying and grow my brand. With more focused communication and with my new PR person, I hope to get my name out there.

IF USA: Do you plan to be at any of the major airshows like AirVenture?

LL: I have not taken that next step. With a full-time job, it is a big commitment. I also have two kids who are six and eight, so it is just hard. But I have the inventory to do it and will consider it in the future.

IF USA: Are your kids interested in aviation?

LL: I have flown my kids many times, and they come to the shop. In fact, they gave me inspiration for my business name. The name is my kids’ middle names combined. They have a lot of interest already and can look up at the sky and identify planes, saying, “Hey, dad, there’s your plane!”

IF USA: Is your wife involved in the business?

LL: She is very supportive, but she also has a full-time business, and we are both very busy with the kids. It’s really important to me to pick my kids up when I’m home. I help her out as much as I can because when I’m flying, I’m gone, and I can’t help.

IF USA: Do you have any work in museums?

LL: The Commemorative Air Force in Mesa has purchased some pieces from me and has them on display in their local gift shop. I have not put anything in a museum yet.

IF USA: Where can we find more information?

LL: You can visit my website at https://www.wyldebyrd.com/

IF USA: Thank you!