FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Bill and Ashley Chouinard, owners of Wild Blue Adventure Company and Aviator’s Lounge at the Fayette Airport, have been named WV Hive Entrepreneurs of the Year.
The couple, who operate a sightseeing flight business and a rental property, want visitors to not only fly with them but also stay in their three-bedroom vacation residence.
The Chouinards’ journey into aviation began with Bill’s childhood dream of flying. Growing up in Canada, he watched his father pilot planes, which sparked his own passion.
Unable to afford flight lessons when he moved to the U.S., Bill turned to paragliding until he could obtain his pilot’s license. Now, he has logged hundreds of flight hours and mentors new pilots, emphasizing the importance of traditional flying skills and safety.
The couple launched their first aviation venture, Bravo Charlie Aviation, in 2015, offering flight lessons and tailwheel endorsements. In 2019, they acquired Wild Blue Adventure Company, a sightseeing flight business, which included a World War II-era Stearman biplane.
The aircraft, originally used to train pilots during the war, became the heart of their operation.
Ashley, a former science teacher with a master’s in teaching from West Virginia University, recalled their first flight under the new company happening on her birthday, September 21, 2019.
“Because the Stearman is an open-cockpit plane, once the temperature drops below 55 degrees, our flying season is over,” she explained.
They planned to restart in April 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed operations until June of that year. Since then, business has soared, with marketing efforts shifting from word-of-mouth to social media and referrals from visitors to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
In 2022, the Chouinards expanded their operation by acquiring the hangar they previously leased, additional property, and the Aviator’s Lounge, a rental facility for events.
“While flying is still a priority for us, transforming from solely a unique attraction to a vacation rental and event venue has been a big adventure,” Ashley said. “We love sharing the magic of the airport in new ways.”
The couple hosts a variety of events, from weddings to corporate gatherings, and welcomes guests from across the country and internationally. They hope to promote the Aviator’s Lounge as a year-round destination.
“Most people know they can fly with us, but they’re surprised they can also stay with us,” Ashley said. “We’re minutes from the national park and downtown Fayetteville, and there’s plenty to do year-round.”
Bill, who is originally from Canada, holds a nursing degree from Bluefield State College and works as a flight nurse for Air Evac Lifestream. He also teaches at Marshall University’s Flight School, training future pilots in emergency aircraft recovery techniques.
The Chouinards, married for 13 years, met at Active Fitness Center in Oak Hill, where Bill coached CrossFit and Ashley worked at the front desk. They have three children—Will, Alex, and Annalee—and 12 pets, including dogs, a cat, snakes, geckos, a tarantula, and a rescue turtle.
As they look ahead, the Chouinards aim to grow their team, adding more seasonal employees, a second pilot, and another plane. Bill reflected on his lifelong passion for aviation, saying,
“Since I was a kid, I’ve loved everything about flying. Ashley knew my dream and supported it. We bought a hangar years before we could afford a plane. That hangar sat empty for almost five years while we saved up. Finally, in 2015, we bought our first plane and founded Bravo Charlie Aviation.”
The couple credits West Virginia Hive for supporting their business growth. Bill praised Mary Legg, Senior Business Advisor at WV Hive, saying, “Mary has been a great advisor. She’s straight up and has helped us navigate technical assistance, apply for the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program, and find new opportunities.”
Wild Blue Adventure Company was selected as one of 60 rural businesses to attend the Goldman Sachs 10KSB Rural Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. this March.
Ashley will represent the company, advocating for education and rural businesses. “I’ve spent my entire life in West Virginia, and I see firsthand how education and local economies are closely connected. It’s an honor to speak with legislators about this vital relationship.”
Reflecting on their journey, Bill advised aspiring entrepreneurs to “do their homework, develop a growth mindset, keep their circle tight, and dream big.” He added, “Think of what you want most and work backward. It’s amazing what a good business plan and lender relationships can do. This business is my dream come true, and I hope to do it until I die—not until I retire.”
Ashley echoed his sentiment, emphasizing perseverance. “You don’t need to know all the steps. You just need to know the next step. It’s overwhelming to go from A to Z, but if you focus on A to B, then B to C, it becomes manageable.”
Challenges have been part of their story, including Bill’s ankle injury in 2023, which forced them to cancel flights for three months.
“At the time, it was devastating,” Ashley said. “I wasn’t sure if we’d continue. But connecting with WV Hive helped us rethink our business, and things started falling into place.”
The Chouinards also value networking, particularly with students at West Virginia University’s College of Business and Economics.
“We’re working with students this semester,” Ashley said. “I’ve enjoyed every minute and look forward to learning from them.”
Their clients range in age from four to 94 years old, and many have been inspired to pursue pilot licenses. They cherish flights with older veterans, who share stories of their service and appreciate the historic significance of the Stearman. “Flying them in a piece of living history is really special,” they said.
Looking ahead, the Chouinards are excited about expanding their business and continuing to inspire others to experience the magic of aviation.
For more information about Wild Blue Adventure Company, visit www.wildblueadventurecompany.com or contact them at wildblueadventurecompany@gmail.com, (304) 574-1150.
Information on their rental property can be found at lodging-airbnb.com/h/theaviatorsloungewv, with a direct website launching soon at www.aviatorsloungewv.com.
