LARRY ARKEN, COMMANDING OFFICER / FLIGHT LEAD

Larry Arken resides in Greenlawn, New York, and is a captain with a commercial airline. He has been flying since he was a child sitting in the co-pilot seat behind his father, Mort. Mort started the Skytypers when Larry was 18 years of age. Working alongside his Dad, he learned every aspect of the Skytyping and Airshow business. Working in tandem on his flying certificates while attending Aviation High School, Larry graduated in the top of his class acquiring an FAA certificated Airframe and Powerplant mechanics license.

Larry began his career flying warbirds and corporate jets. He first flew Falcon 10's, 20's and 50’s, and then later transitioned to flying DC-8's for UPS before beginning his long-term career as a commercial airline pilot flying Boeing 727, Boeing 767/757 and Super 80 DC-9 aircraft. A New York native, Larry received his bachelor's degree in marketing from Queens College as well as a bachelor's degree in business from Edison State University.

An avid aviator, Arken presently flies a P-47, F4U and P-51 for the Air Power Museum in Farmingdale, NY. Larry also holds a NATA designation as a formation check pilot and a low level acrobatic waiver. Larry says he most enjoys the camaraderie he shares with the members of his team as well as the excitement of interacting with the fans at Airshows.