Hometown: Palm Springs, CA

Hometown Airport: KTRM

Occupation: Full time flight/ground instructor

Website: www.palmspringspilots.com

Education: Business – Manufacturing

Pilot Certificates: COMMERCIAL/INSTRUMENT, CFI, CFII

Airplanes Flying/Flown: Aeronca, Citabria, Cessna ASEL line, Piper, Cirrus SR20/SR22

Education Specialty: Basic/Instrument and TAA

Q & A

What drew you to aviation? As a young boy, in 1949, I took a ride in an Aeronca Champ.  The thrill of that first flight has remained in my being since.

How long have you been involved in aviation education? 1991

What’s your favorite part of what you do in aviation education? As an instructor, seeing the growth of my students and as a pilot the realization that in life as it is in flying learning is an ever continuing process.

What’s your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education? The increasing financial and regulatory burdens.

Do you have a memorable aviation experience you’d like to share? Marrying my beautiful ATC wife Millie.

Why did you join SAFE? To learn from others and to be of assistance to a purposeful organization.

What would you like to see change in aviation? Flying TAA is more complicated and extensive.  Add TAA endorsements as in Tail Wheel, High Performance and Complex aircraft.

Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished? Establish realistic minimum hours of TAA (Glass panel/ GPS) ground and flight training similar to the Flight Review standard.

Any accomplishments in, or noteworthy contributions to aviation and/or aviation education you’d like to mention? I have been involved in Aviation Safety and Accident Prevention programs since 1990.  Now I participate as a speaker and FAASteam representative.  I believe in giving back to the flying community in order to continue to receive.

Who are your role models in aviation? Howard Hughes, Chuck Yeager, J. Cochran, WWII pilots