ed his sister in Cleveland was gravely ill. Ross chartered a plane from Detroit every day to visit his sister. He became a familiar face at the airport. One worker suggested, "You're spending so much money to charter a plane. Why don't you just buy one?" That, Ross says, is how the IFL Group began. Today, Ross heads not only the IFL Group but IFL Refineries, which bring in $1 million annually, and finances the Fugitive Transfer Airlines, which transports prisoners throughout the United States. Ross established the IFL Group five years ago. Then he owned three planes used for the refinery business. Today, the Group is home to four hangers, each of which cost between $500,000 and $1. million to build. They house the DC-3s and nu- merous planes owned by private corporations in- cluding insurance com- panies, a toolmaker and an attorney. , Ross says those leasing space save time and money because they have access to their planes at any time day or night and because they, not the group renting the • space, are responsible for • airplane maintainance. Ross estimates the corporations save about $100,000 each year by caring for their own equipment. One of the best deals Ross says he offers is jet fuel. Usually sold for $2 a gallon, Ross' price is $1.25. He advertises his savings on a large sign at the airport that flashes the price on and off in blinking lights. But don't worry — even at 2 $1.25 a gallon Ross is still making a profit, he says. Outside businessmen hurry from their cars to hangers to board their planes for Atlanta, New York or Los Angeles. They stop to wave at Ross, who is wearing slacks and a sweat shirt. "I almost never wear a tie," he says. Inside, Ross passes the numerous businesses that lease aircraft space at the IFL Group. Old airplane chairs are piled atop some shelves; lists of charter flights for the day hang on the wall in one office. Black- and-white pictures of planes cover walls throughout the building. Ross has a new plan these days. He wants to major corporations to put their logos on his planes, then he'll send them in with aid JANUARY 1990 ESTATE AUCTION FRIDAY, January 121 1990, 7:00 p.m. • SATURDAY, January 13, 1990, 11:00 a.m. • SUNDAY, January 14, 1990, 12:00 noon MONDAY, January 15, 1990, 7:00 p.m. TIFFANY STUDIOS ART GLASS TABLE LAMP DOUGLAS ARTHUR TEED, OIL ON BOARD, 11" X 15" WILLIAM POSEY SILVA, OIL ON PANEL, "A BLUE DAY, POINT LOBOS," 1938, 91/2" X 111/2" BUCCELLATI CENTAUR HAND-MADE STERL- ING VASE, H. 7" FEATURING THE ESTATE OF LUCILLE WERTZ, GROSSE POINTE FARMS AND THE ESTATE OF OREN EMMONS, GROSSE POINT FARMS, AND SELECTED ITEMS FROM PRISCILLA UPJOHN McDOUGAL, KALAMAZOO. PARPOINT "SEAGULL' TABLE LAMP FISHER FRENCH CASE GRAND PIANO, L. 54" Illustrated catalogs available at the gallery for $8.00, postpaid $10.00, ex- press mail and overseas $21.00. An- nual subscriptions $50.00. Call or write for a free illustrated brochure. "Over 1400 fine offerings" ESTATE DIAMOND AND EMERALD JEWELRY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, PART OF A LARGE JEWELRY GROUPING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. ORIENTAL CARVED ROSE QUARTZ FOO LIONS, H 8 1 /2" 409 E. Jefferson Detroit, Michigan 963-6255 or 963-6256 NOW ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS FOR UPCOMING AUCTIONS SENUFO BIRD, LO SOCIETY, WOOD POR- GORHAM STERLING MEDICI PATTERN 92 PIANONG FIGURE, H. 46", PART OF A LARGE PIECES COLLECTION OF AFRICAN WOOD SCULPTURE Fine Arts Appraisers and Auctioneers Since 1927 STATE FARM INSURANCE MARILYN J. GOLD-AGENCY "I believe in personalized service" • AUTO • HEALTH • HOME • COMMERCIAL • LIFE • IRAs • BUSINESS STATE FARM WU" INSURANCF 353.1400 26561 W. 12 Mile Road, Suite 203, Southfield, MI 48034 ROCOCO REVIVAL ROSEWOOD SIDE CHAIRS, PAIR, c. 1880 SEMI-ANTIQUE CHINESE ORIENTAL RUG, 8' 11" x 9", ONE OF MANY FINE ORIENTAL RUGS OFFERED (Across from the Ren Cen) FREE VALET PARKING ALL AUCTION DATES Do Something Nice for You! Check into Audrey Wittenberg's Forever Thin weight counseling program / ■ safe and effective ■ personalized weight control • individual or group sessions Call Today 851-7218. 16 weeks for just $150.00!