2025
Thomas E. “Stoney” Truett, III, born on February 9, 1954, in Hartsville, began flight training in 1970, soloing at just 16. After an eight-year hiatus, he returned to aviation, completing his IFR and commercial training in 1980 with SCAA Hall of Fame inductees Sylvia Roth and Francis Miller. He then began a long career as a flight instructor in Pelion and Winnsboro.
In addition to extensive flight training, Stoney’s career has been marked by extensive flight corporate flying, including piloting aircraft such as King Airs, Citations, and Sabreliner 65s. He has flown over 154 aircraft models from 45 manufacturers, including tailwheel planes, gliders, bi-wings, and vintage classics.
A passionate advocate for South Carolina aviation history and safety, Stoney has dedicated his life to training pilots and sharing his knowledge. Since the mid-1980s, he has been a key figure in the South Carolina Breakfast Club, becoming its president in 2021 and serving continuously. Stoney is renowned for his commitment to the aviation community, having visited nearly every airport in the state of South Carolina and logging more than 13,000 flight hours. A true Elite Aviator, he has chosen to share with fellow pilots his experience, training and pure love of flying.