Hometown

Hometown Airport: 5T6

Occupation: Owner FBO/Flight School

Website: www.bluefeatheraero.com

Education: Bachelor of Bus. Admin. – Univ. of Texas at El Paso

Pilot Certificates: Commercial Flight Instructor Instrument, MII, glider, SES

Airplanes Flying/Flown: Cessna, Bonanza, Lancair IVP, Twins, Maule, gliders

Education Specialty: Weekend Ground Schools

How long have you been involved in aviation education? 27 years

What’s your favorite part of what you do in aviation education? I do lots of intro flights, and I like to see the smile of amazement on the faces of students who realize – that they can fly. I love to be in the air at any level any time.

What’s your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education? FAA paperwork

Do you have a memorable aviation experience you’d like to share? I just took a night helicopter flight with a hand-held gyro and a video camera at 500 feet down the strip at Las Vegas.  Even though I wasn’t flying, I was amazed at the stabilizing of the gyro and the great night shots I got.

Why did you join SAFE? Mark Adams of El Paso – a great supporter.

What would you like to see change in aviation? The neglect and lack of support for GA from the federal government.

Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished? Groups like AOPA, EAA, and SAFE must be the lobbying arm for our issues – and FUNDING.

Any accomplishments in, or noteworthy contributions to aviation and/or aviation education you’d like to mention? I recently got a call from a concerned parent who wanted his two teenagers to fly with the “Best Instructor in El Paso.”  Even though I have received many awards and recognitions, that’s a real compliment.

Who are your role models in aviation? Jerry Cobb, Amelia Earhart, the Wasps