Tim Bonnell Sr. started flying at the age of 2 with his father in Piper J-3 and Cessna 140 aircraft. As he grew up in Wichita in the sixties the family operated a Piper Comanche 250 and later a Cessna 210H. While in high school Tim took a job with the local Piper Dealer in line and sales service earning his private license at age 19, then going on to earn his Commercial and Instrument ratings. He attended Wichita State University and while there served two years as President of the WSU Flying Club. Tim entered the aviation insurance business in early 1975 with aviation specialty agency pioneer Don Flower Associates, Inc. a subsidiary of Rollins Burdick Hunter. In 1982 Tim founded Professional Insurance Management, which he continues to head. Along the way Tim earned his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) professional designation. Tim has written numerous articles published in major aviation and insurance publications and served as President of the Aviation Insurance Association (AIA) for 1999 to 2000. Tim also serves as a contract risk manager for a large US Air Carrier.