Kodiak 900 owner Gary Robinson brings his aircraft - and his story - to EAA AirVenture
As a highly experienced pilot, Gary Robinson celebrated his first EAA AirVenture attendance in 2025 by flying into Wittman Regional Airport with his Kodiak 900 – an aircraft that has transformed this aviator’s business and personal flying.
Gary Robinson
Nearly 4,800 hours (as of 2025)
Kodiak 900
Business, personal and adventure travel
California’s San Francisco Bay Area, and a second home in Oregon with a private grass strip
The “perfect upgrade” from his previous Kodiak 100, with additional speed and capability
When Gary Robinson flew his Kodiak 900 to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the 2025 EAA AirVenture event, this was more than a trip - it was a milestone nearly five decades in the making. With decades of piloting experience, this aviator’s first visit to the world’s largest air show felt like stepping into a dream.
With nearly 4,800 flight hours and experience in everything from the Cessna 150 to aerobatic aircraft and twin-engine turboprops, Robinson says no airplane has impressed him quite like the Kodiak 900 and his previous Kodiak 100. He recalls one defining moment with the Kodiak: a challenging flight in his predecessor Kodiak 100 with seven people onboard, experiencing heavy icing and low visibility: “The aircraft handled the mission without hesitation.”
Today, the Kodiak 900’s additional speed and capability have expanded what Robinson and his wife, Theresa (known as “TJ”), can accomplish – for business and personal travel.
Robinson and TJ live in the San Francisco Bay Area and frequently fly the Kodiak to their second home in Shady Cove, Oregon – landing on a private grass strip that is steps from the front door. Their adventures include flights to Canada for fishing, while business trips are to such destinations as Las Vegas with clients. TJ, who completed a companion safety course, says the Kodiak gives her the top level of confidence. The couple shares their love for flying with the community, providing flights over the San Francisco Bay area to support local Boy Scout fundraisers.
Robinson once believed he would keep his Kodiak 100 forever - until he learned about the Kodiak 900. He quickly realized it was the perfect upgrade. As the founder of Magnum Drywall, a commercial construction firm serving tech leaders like Apple, Google and Netflix, Robinson uses his aircraft as a business tool as much as for personal transportation. One mission stood out: a last-minute materials pickup during the weekend of America’s Super Bowl football championship game. He flew from California to Michigan and back in less than 48 hours, delivering specialty materials in time to keep a major project on track.
When choosing the tail number for their Kodiak 900, the couple selected N401TG: “401” for their April 1st wedding date; followed by “T” for Theresa and “G” for Gary. This small detail reflects how deeply personal aviation is to them.
The Kodiak 900’s performance, versatility and cargo capacity makes all types of flights possible – from urgent business deliveries to weekend adventures. Its speed, reliability and ease of operation make the Kodiak 900 their perfect lifestyle aircraft for work, travel and community engagement.
