What is a Fat Tire Cowboy?
Introducing the Fat Tire Cowboys: a daring fusion of aviation and cowboy spirit, rooted in the heart of Texas with its headquarters at the Larry T. Neal Memorial Airport in Slaton, Texas. Led by LaRosa, this band of aviation enthusiasts embodies the essence of adventure, with a deep connection to the skies, the High Plains of Texas, and its farming and ranching heritage.
It all began with a group of true-blue Texans, raised on the rugged terrain of the Llano Estacado. Inspired by a shared love for aviation and the wide-open spaces, the Fat Tire Cowboys were born. The spark ignited when LaRosa’s friend, known as “The Mayor,” rolled in with a bush plane fitted with massive Alaskan Bush Wheels. Enthralled, LaRosa followed suit, upgrading his own plane with even larger tires, sparking friendly banter and endless adventures.
Their escapades took flight, capturing the imagination of viewers worldwide through captivating YouTube videos. What started as an exhilarating hobby soon evolved into a full-fledged brand. With a stroke of creativity, LaRosa christened them the “West Texas Fat Tire Cowboys,” but as their global audience grew, the “West Texas” prefix fell away.
Today, the Fat Tire Cowboys influence knows no bounds. Their merchandise flies off the shelves, shipping to enthusiasts across the globe. With each adventure, they share not only a passion for aviation but also a reverence for the land, a love of God, and a commitment to living life to the fullest. Join the journey and embrace the spirit of the Fat Tire Cowboys. You can find them on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube,
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Meet The Cowboys
Bryan Rose – “La Rosa!”
Professional Background: Bryan, a graduate of Wayland Baptist University, embodies versatility and entrepreneurship. As the owner and driving force behind Fat Tire Cowboys, LLC, he channels his passion for adventure into every endeavor. Bryan also leads Rose-Text, Inc., an Allied Healthcare Company, and oversees PatrolScribe, a prominent forensic video transcription service. Alongside these ventures, he co-owns Dusty Coast Sodas and holds a Texas Real Estate license. Deeply rooted in family heritage, Bryan co-owns and operates the WBR Ranch, a treasured legacy initiated by his grandfather, Walter B. Rose.
HISTORY: La Rosa stands as the visionary driving force behind the creative media blend that has shaped the iconic Fat Tire Cowboys brand. With FTC, he’s merged his passions for aviation, cowboy culture, and video production into a labor of love. La Rosa’s aviation journey has seamlessly intertwined with his corporate achievements from the start. Soloing his first aircraft at a remarkable 16 years old marked just the beginning. He has owned over 30 aircraft and experience flying over 70 different makes, models, and variants, La Rosa truly soars as a high flyer. His aviation ratings include:
- Certified Flight Instructor
- Commercial Instrument Single Engine
- Commercial Instrument Multi-Engine
- Commercial Glider
Type Ratings
- SIC Cessna Citation Jet Series – CE-500
- SIC Lear 45 Jet – LR-45
Endorsements:
• High Altitude
• Aerobatic
• Tailwheel
• Glider Towing
• Banner Towing
• Commercial Drone Pilot
PERSONALl: Bryan’s personal life is anchored by his enduring marriage to his wife, Dawn, spanning over 37 years. Together, they are proud parents of two accomplished children and 3 wonderful grandchildren.
Current Aircraft: Modified Cessna 185 Skywagon, Piper J3 Cub,
“The Mayor” – Chad Bartee
Professional Background: Chad is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University and the former owner and co-founder of Osteogenics Biomedical, Inc. (1994) OBI specializes in the development and manufacture of bone and tissue grafts for jaw and facial reconstruction. OBI currently holds 11 patents and distributes in 62 countries. Chad also co-owns/manages the 1,000
History: The Mayor of what? Of just about everything! He’s FTC’s globetrotting renaissance man! He’s got 2 million Airline Miles and about that many in his own jet! He started this whole fat tire craziness 10 years ago by being the first of the crew, to purchase a fat tire airplane and head to Moab, UT for adventure. The Mayor started his aviation career in his early 20’s and has the following ratings:
• Commercial Instrument Single
• Multi-Engine Aircraft CE 500 SIC Type Rating
Endorsements:
• High Altitude
• Aerobatic
• Tailwheel
Personal: Chad is married to his beautiful wife Brandy and father of 2
miniature Schnauzers. When he’s not in the boardroom or
cockpit, he is restoring and racing vintage Porsches with his
brother and nephew. Chad is also the owner and financier of the world famous Yak 110.
Current Aircraft: Cessna Citation Jet, Beechcraft Baron, Champ, Yak110, Cessna 185 Skywagon, and Super Decathlon
“The Mayor” – Chad Bartee
Professional Background: Chad is a graduate of Lubbock Christian University and the co-founder of Osteogenics Biomedical, Inc. (1994) OBI specializes in the development and manufacture of bone and tissue grafts for jaw and facial reconstruction. OBI currently holds 11 patents and distributes in 62 countries. Chad also co-owns/manages the 1,000
History: The Mayor of what? Of just about everything! He’s FTC’s globetrotting renaissance man! He’s got 2 million Airline Miles and about that many in his own jet! He started this whole fat tire craziness 10 years ago, by being the first to purchase a fat tire airplane and head to Moab, UT for adventure. The Mayor started his aviation career in his early 20’s and has the following ratings:
• Commercial Instrument Single
• Multi-Engine Aircraft CE 500 SIC Type Rating
Endorsements:
• High Altitude
• Aerobatic
• Tailwheel
Personal: Chad is married to his beautiful wife Brandy and father of 2
miniature Schnauzers. When he’s not in the boardroom or
cockpit, he is restoring and racing vintage Porsches with his
brother and nephew. Chad is also the owner and financier of the world famous Yak 110.
Current Aircraft: Cessna Citation Jet, Beechcraft Baron, Carbon Cub, Champ, Yak110, Cessna 185 Skywagon, and Super Decathlon
“Ty Fly” – Ty Lane
Professional Background: Lubbock Native Ty Lane is the former owner and founder of Utility Contractors of America. He founded his company in 1987 and they specialize in municipal utility installations.
He owns the 1,500
Corriente Roping cattle graze.
History: Ty Fly is a character. He was raised on a farm south of Lubbock, and he’s as country as
• Instrument Single
• Multi-Engine Aircraft
Endorsements:
• High Altitude
• Tailwheel
Personal: Ty has been married to his beautiful wife Laura for over 39 years. They
have two sons. If absent from his office or the cockpit, you’ll find Ty in his first-class stable and roping arena.
Current Aircraft: Pilatus PC 12, Modified Cessna 185 Skywagon
“SFL (Scott F**King Lane)” – Scott Lane
Professional Background: Scott is a graduate of Clarendon College and employed at Boedeker Flying Servicel as a pilot of a firefighting SEAT (Single Engine Air Tanker). He began his career as an agriculture pilot at the tender age of 20. In the 2000’s he headed a drug interdiction program in South America that defoliated coca fields. In 2013 he launched Scott Lane Airshows. His steed of choice was a highly modified Pitts S2C built by the Fat Tire Cowboys.
History: Considering the fact that FTC must make his nickname an acronym, pretty much sums up Scotty! He’s definitely one of the most talented sticks FTC has and is quite the character. He is an exceptional showman in the cockpit too. His career has been saturated with high-risk flying. His knowledge, steely nerves and professionalism in the cockpit make him an extraordinary risk manager. Whether he’s diving on a fire, being shot at with an AK47, or flying high energy aerobatics, he’s a steady hand. Scott holds the following aviation ratings:
• Commercial Instrument Single Engine
• Multi-Engine Certified Flight Instructor Instrument
Endorsements:
• Low Altitude Aerobatic Waiver
• High Altitude
• Tailwheel
Personal: Scott is married to his beautiful wife Michelle. They have a daughter. When not flying, Scott can be found with his family at his stable and arena coaching barrel racing.
“SFL (Scott F**King Lane)” – Scott Lane
Professional Background: Scott is graduate of Clarendon College and is employed at JB Aerial as a pilot of a firefighting SEAT (Single Engine Air Tanker). He began his career as an agriculture pilot at the tender age of 20. In the 2000’s he headed a drug interdiction program in South America that defoliated coca fields. In 2013 he launched Scott Lane Airshows. His steed of choice was a highly modified Pitts S2C built by the Fat Tire Cowboys.
History: Considering the fact that FTC must make his nickname an acronym, pretty much sums up Scotty! He’s definitely one of the most talented sticks FTC has and is quite the character. He is an exceptional showman in the cockpit too. His career has been saturated with high-risk flying. His knowledge, steely nerves and professionalism in the cockpit make him an extraordinary risk manager. Whether he’s diving on a fire, being shot at with an AK47, or flying high energy aerobatics, he’s a steady hand. Scott holds the following aviation ratings:
• Commercial Instrument Single Engine
• Multi-Engine Certified Flight Instructor Instrument
Endorsements:
• Low Altitude Aerobatic Waiver
• High Altitude
• Tailwheel
Personal: Scott is married to his beautiful wife Michelle. They have a daughter. When not flying, Scott can be found with his family at his stable and arena coaching barrel racing.
,”KT” – Kurtis Thomas
Professional Background: Kurtis is a graduate of Texas Tech University and the co-owner of TKT Farms. TKT Farms is a family operated cotton farming operation covering several thousand acres.
History: Kurtis heads our Fat Tire Faith videos. His understanding of the Gospel is a truly inspiring. He and his family are key members of a local non-profit that provides food, clothing and healthcare to hundreds of people each week. He was raised in the ag industry. He followed in his father’s footsteps as one of the area’s premier farmers. He began flying in his 20’s and has become an accomplished pilot. His fascination with all things mechanical has propelled him to an exceptional understanding of how an aircraft is constructed and how it flys. Kurtis holds the following aviation ratings:
• Commercial Instrument Single Engine
• Commercial Instrument Multi-Engine
Endorsements:
• Tailwheel
Personal: Kurtis was married to his beautiful late wife, Rory, for over 25 years. They have 3 children. When not engaged in farming or bay fishing, you’ll find Kurtis at the helm of his Piper Super Cub or Beechcraft Baron.
Current Aircraft: Modified Piper Super Cub, Beechcraft B58 Baron.
“SkyRancher” – Cary Franks
Professional Background: Cary is a graduate of Texas Tech University and a Loan Officer at Capital Farm Credit. He specializes in farm and ranch loans, as well as, Ranching Risk Management products. He also co-owns and operates the Pistolaro Ranch.
History: Cary is quiet and reserved, and surreptitiously cunning and witty! He fits right in! SkyRancher was raised on a ranch near Flomot, TX. His father is a pilot, and Cary has been flying most of his life. His big SkyWagon, cowboy hat, Pistolero Ranch and wit fit right into the FTC brand perfectly!
Commercial Instrument Single Engine
ENDORSEMENTS
Tailwheel
Complex
High Performance
137 Aerial Application
Turbine Transition PT6
Married to his beautiful wife Mary for over 10 years.
Current Aircraft: 1980 Cessna 180K
“SkyRancher” – Cary Franks
Professional Background: Cary is a graduate of Texas Tech University and a Senior Crop Insurance Agent at Capital Farm Credit and specializes in Ranching Risk Management products. He also co-owns and operates the Pistolaro Ranch.
History: One of FTC’s newest core members, he’s quiet and reserved. But, we’ve learned that he is surreptitiously cunning and witty! He fits right in! SkyRancher was raised on a ranch near Flomot, TX. His father is a pilot, and Cary has been flying most of his life. He is Commercial Single Engine IFR rated. His big SkyWagon, cowboy hat, Pistolaro Ranch and wit fit right into the FTC brand perfectly!
Personal: Married to his beautiful wife Mary for 9 years.
Current Aircraft: 1980 Cessna 180K
“Flaps8” – Arron Miller
Professional Background: Arron is a graduate of Texas Tech University and employed at 3KD, LLC as a full-time pilot in the Citation 550.
History: Yet another one of FTC’s quiet jesters who lurks at the edge of the conversation waiting to drop a comedic bomb. He’s quite good at it too! Arron was born and raised on the High Plains of Texas in the small farming community of Tahoka. Growing up he always wanted to be either a pilot or a musician. After a year on the road as a rock star, he decided he wasn’t cut out to be Garth Brooks. He went back to school and became an aviator, then back to school to become an engineer, then back to being an aviator… wait what?
Commercial Single and Multi-Engine IFR Rated
• Airline Transport Pilot
• Certified Flight Instructor
• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument
• Type Ratings – LR-JET and CE-500
Personal: Married to his wife Susan for 23 years, they have a daughter, Taylor.
Current Aircraft: Highlander
Koby D. Reed
Koby D. Reed
Gloyna - Scott Gloyna
We just call him Gloyna! Scott was raised on a cotton farm in rural West Texas. His closest neighbor was an Ag pilot with a landing strip just down the dirt road. He spent hours watching the lumbering Ag Cat gracefully skimming the fields as he flew by.
Scott is a graduate of Texas Tech University, and a United States Air Force Veteran of Desert Shield. He co-owns Day Break Coffee Rosters, a coffee roasting plant located in Lubbock, TX. His is married to his high school sweetheart, Marzee.
Scott is the North West Texas Leader of Angel Flight and has flown over 100 missions.
Aviation Ratings:
Private Single Engine IFR rated
KC-135R Navigator
Aircraft:
Cirrus SR22
Brayden Rose
Professional Background: Brayden is a graduate of the Texas Tech University Rawls Business College.
He is a managing director for McGavock Nissan/Infiniti, a series of car dealerships started by his grandfather. He also co-operates the Walter B Rose Ranch started by his great grandfather.
Brayden is the son of LaRosa and has been in the cockpit his entire life. His father is a pilot, and both of his grandfathers are pilots. He didn’t stand a chance!
Brayden is married to his beautiful wife Danielle and they have two boys.
Private Single Engine Land
Current Aircraft:
Cessna 182
Bam Bam - Chase Key
Professional Background: Chase graduated from the University of Oklahoma. He is co-owner of ASCO equipment.
History: Chase was raised in Lubbock and has always loved all things mechanical. Chase became very interested in aviation after a flight with TyFly!
Personal: Chase has been married to Amy Key, for over 11 years. When Chase is not busy selling or renting equipment you can often find him enjoying the outdoors, fly fishing or hunting. Chase and Amy have two children, Ellis and John William Ellis.
Ratings:
Single Engine Land Instrument
Endorsements:
High Altitude
Tailwheel
Aircraft:
Super Decatholon
Cessna 185
Piper Merridian
“9G” – Matt Short
Professional Background: Matt is a Film Director and Aerial Cinematographer for Lockheed Martin. Matt travels the globe filming the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft. He also owns and operates his own production company, 9G Films – specializing in corporate documentaries, commercials, and promotions.
History: Matt’s love of aviation is genetic. His father, a USMC pilot for over 22 years, owned a variety of aircraft throughout Matt’s childhood. Weekends and most evenings were spent exploring the Florida skies with his dad.
Matt’s main life goal was to become a professional bull rider. He started riding bulls at 12 years old and competed until his mid 20’s riding in the PRCA for 5 of those years. After his rodeo career, Matt picked up a camera and got into photography and film production. One of his most recent credits is cinematographer on the IMAX movie, Aircraft Carrier: Guardians of the Sea. Matt spent over two months filming F-35s aboard the USS Eisenhower and USS America.
Personal: Married to his beautiful wife Trish for over 25 years.
Current Aircraft: F-16 Aircrew qualified (and any other fast jet he can bum a ride in)
“9G” – Matt Short
Professional Background: Matt is a Film Director and Aerial Cinematographer for Lockheed Martin. Matt travels the globe filming the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft. He also owns and operates his own production company, 9G Films – specializing in corporate documentaries, commercials, and promotions.
History: Matt’s love of aviation is genetic. His father, a USMC pilot for over 22 years, owned a variety of aircraft throughout Matt’s childhood. Weekends and most evenings were spent exploring the Florida skies with his dad.
Matt’s main life goal was to become a professional bull rider. He started riding bulls at 12 years old and competed until his mid 20’s riding in the PRCA for 5 of those years. After his rodeo career, Matt picked up a camera and got into photography and film production. One of his most recent credits is cinematographer on the IMAX movie, Aircraft Carrier: Guardians of the Sea. Matt spent over two months filming F-35s aboard the USS Eisenhower and USS America.
Personal: Married to his beautiful wife Trish for over 25 years.
Current Aircraft: F-16 Aircrew qualified (and any other fast jet he can bum a ride in)
Jeff Boerboon (pronounced like the whiskey bourbon)
Professional Background: Jeff is a captain for a major airline.
History: Jeff was inspired to fly aerobatics at just 7 years old, after attending the EAA convention in Oshkosh. He holds a degree from the University of North Dakota. He is a two time National Aerobatic Champion and was a member of the U.S. Advanced and Unlimited Aerobatic teams and is the 2010 U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic champion. He has also previously performed in the Jack Link’s Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco.
Personal: Jeff is married to his beautiful wife Maria. The Fat Tire Cowboys have affectionately named her Peanut.
It was Jeff’s idea to combine two Yak55’s, add a jet engine and call it a YAK110. He personally supervised the build to completion and flew the public debut of the Yak110 at AirVenture Oshkosh 2018.
His professionalism and skill in the cockpit are simply unmatched.
