BPT Mourns Aviation Maintenance “Superstar,” Dave Monti

Published in Midwest Flyer – December 2019/January 2020

It is with a heavy heart that Bonanza Baron Pilot Training, Inc. (BPT) announces the passing of Jon David (Dave) Monti, BPT Director of Maintenance, on September 27, 2019.

Dave Monti was a long-time friend and colleague and subscriber to Midwest Flyer Magazine. He was well known for the numerous lectures he presented at BPT Flight Clinics throughout the country. He conducted walk-arounds with more than 250 BPT pilots every year, helping them complete a thorough preflight inspection of their aircraft. He always made himself available to help other pilots – both far and near – who were experiencing maintenance issues. Pilots could always count on Dave for help and advice. He was gracious and would spend time with people on the phone, and at clinics discussing their concerns and answering their questions.

Dave Monti was an exceptional pilot and mechanic, earning his Airframe & Powerplant Certificate in 1975. He soloed on his sixteenth birthday in three different aircraft, including his father’s Bonanza. For more than 40 years, Dave repaired aircraft and honed his skills. He founded Rebuilt Aircraft, originally in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., and subsequently in Minden, Nev., where he and his wife, Jan, lived.

In recognition of his tremendous service, expertise and a lifetime pursuit of aviation safety, Dave Monti was recognized as the 2019 Maintenance Technician of the Year at the FAAs General Aviation Awards Program during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in July.

A more-worthy recipient of this lifetime achievement award would be hard to find. Dave found out about the award in early April and was provided with an all-expense paid trip to Oshkosh to receive it. All plans were made for the trip when Dave learned that he had stage four cancer and would be unable to make the trip and fly on the airlines. So, a phone call was made and anonymous donor stepped up and flew his private jet to Minden, Nevada and flew Dave and Jan to Oshkosh for the presentation, then flew them back.

As we walk through a cemetery, we often read inscriptions on gravestones. We notice the person’s name and the date of birth and the date of death. Between them is a dash, which indicates what the person did with their life. Dave’s dash would show a man with a big heart, many friends and a person who was always ready to help others. It would also show a kind and gentle family man loved by his wife, children and friends. With a true passion for aviation, we say Dave Monti has “GONE WEST.” He will be missed.

Submitted by friends of Dave Monti.