RARE Aircraft founder Roy Redman began his aviation journey building control line and free flight model aircraft, setting records in the process. He attended North Dakota State University, served as a ROTC cadet, and later as a communications officer in the United States Air Force in Europe.
Following his military service, Roy pursued flying while working in finance, first with General Motors and later as a finance officer for a bank serving the automotive industry and aviation loans. He ultimately went on to fly for Northwest Airlines, where he spent 25 years as an airline pilot.
Roy’s first major aircraft restoration was a Stinson SR-8C, completed around 1980 with the help of friends and family. That aircraft went on to earn Grand Champion honors at Sun N Fun, Oshkosh, Blakesburg, and Watsonville. Throughout his airline career, Roy remained deeply involved in vintage and antique aircraft, performing restorations, repairs, and specialized piece work as a passion.
In the late 1990s, Roy set out to build a WACO F-2 as his retirement aircraft. That project became the genesis of RARE Aircraft. When he was asked to build a second F-2, the need to hire help marked the beginning of what would become a growing business. Over the next decade, the workload expanded, the team grew, and RARE Aircraft took shape.
More than thirty-five years later, Roy’s sons Jeremy and Ben, who began working alongside their father in 1991, continue his legacy, carrying forward the craftsmanship, professionalism, and values on which RARE Aircraft was built.
"Results speak for themselves."
Managing Partner | jeremy@rareaircraft.com
Experience: 47 plus years in aircraft restoration and fabrication
RARE Aircraft Managing Partner Jeremy Redman has spent a lifetime building, restoring, and operating antique aircraft. His hands-on experience spans every facet of restoration, with fabric covering work that began 47 years ago, working alongside his father.
Jeremy is also widely respected for his sheet metal forming skills and deep understanding of the many disciplines required in a full-service restoration shop. He brings a trained artistic eye, a formal background in art, and a relentless pursuit of perfection to every project.
He holds both an FAA mechanic certificate and a pilot certificate.
“The next time we do something should always be better than the last”
Managing Partner | ben@rareaircraft.com
Experience: 30-plus years in aircraft restoration, certification, and systems
RARE Aircraft Managing Partner Ben Redman developed an early interest in aircraft restoration, actively participating in shop work from a young age. He earned his FAA mechanic certificate and later his Inspection Authorization.
A flying interest came quite naturally. Ben soloed a glider at age 14, soloed a powered aircraft at 16, and has since flown more than 100 different aircraft models. When asked about a favorite, his answer is simple. “Whatever is closest to the door and full of gas.”
Ben specializes in aircraft certification, firewall forward systems, radial engines, and fabrication.
“One of my biggest fears when my end is near, is thinking back on any perfectly good flying days I didn’t take advantage of.”
The most dangerous poison is the feeling of achievement. The antidote is to every evening think what can be done better tomorrow.
