Alaine Olthafer-Lange and Andy Lange

You’ll notice a buzz of youthful activity at A&A Aviation at Platteville Municipal Airport, (KPVB) in southwest Wisconsin. The young couple Alaine Olthafer-Lange and her husband Andy Lange began with a Cherokee for instruction. They expanded into an FBO, adding another aircraft and pilot services. When the airport manager retired, they became airport managers, taking on all those responsibilities and the city-owned fuel services, all while managing their young family of three kids.

Not only is the couple passionate about aviation, they have a proven enterprising drive. Their FBO at Plateville’s two-runway airport offers major repairs from small displacement piston to turbine, hangar space, modern lounge, and courtesy car. Their flight instructors provide private, instrument, complex and commercial ratings, and Chief Flight Instructor Alaine offers tailwheel training. “We have students of all ages,” Alaine says, “and our young students are finding ways to own and fly aircraft. Some are finding career opportunities.” They have a waiting list of students, a testament to their energy and reputation.

“I was exposed to aviation all my life,” Alaine says. “My dad was a pilot, and we visited Oshkosh every year.” One of her most meaningful AirVenture memories was the opportunity to see a B-24, the type aircraft that her grandfather had served on as flight engineer during WWII. 

Andy’s background is in a family tool and die business. He earned his A&P and IA certification in 1999 and anchors the shop. “We complement each other’s skills,” Alaine said. “We make a good team.” They are currently searching for a bigger airplane, ideally a Cessna 206 for family flights. 

“We were introduced to the RAF at the New Holstein SuperCub fly-in, and at Cornucopia, where the RAF really made a difference,” Andy said. “We love the RAF mission . . . sharing grassroots aviation with people,” Alaine added.