Hometown: Reno, Nevada
Hometown Airport: RTS (4SD) Occupation: Flight Instructor Website: www.aerobaticcompany.com Education: BA, MA Pilot Certificates: ATP, Commercial, Multi Engine, SES, CFII, CFI Airplanes Flying/Flown: 4000+ hours in 45 different tailwheel aircraft. Education Specialty: Tailwheel, emergency maneuver training, aerobatics |
Q & A
What drew you to aviation? Flight is romance, passion, excitement, dreams, technology, and just plain fun! It says something extraordinary about humanity. Always reaching for something just beyond our reach. Besides, I like the stories, and pilots are full of them.
How long have you been involved in aviation education? since 1986 What’s your favorite part of what you do in aviation education? Teaching aerobatics. The excitement of students when they break through their anxiety and begin to soar. What’s your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education? Paperwork, and the ever increasing TSA paperwork! Do you have a memorable aviation experience you’d like to share? Teaching my boys how to fly. Why did you join SAFE? To collaborate with other experts. What would you like to see change in aviation? Aviation is now synonymous with terrorism. Flight is not terrorism and ought not be feared. Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished? Encourage kids and anyone else who is curious about aviation to visit the airport. We have monthly “Pizza and a Movie” night, plus intro flights, young eagles, hangar sleepovers, hangar bar-b-ques, and lots of fun. Any accomplishments in, or noteworthy contributions to aviation and/or aviation education you’d like to mention? I own the Aerobatic Company and Flight School in Reno Nevada. I am a Master Certificated Flight Instructor -Aerobatic (The First MCFI – A in Nevada), a member of IAC (the International Aerobatic Club. I am currently the President of IAC Chapter 118 and an IAC National Aerobatic Judge), CUATE (Council on Unusual Attitude Training & Education), SAFE (Society of Aviation and Flight Educators), EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association. I am an EAA Flight Advisor) and AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). I am an FAA Safety Team Representative for the FAA WP-11 district Who are your role models in aviation? Rich Stowell, the early barnstormers (although Rich tells me he is actually not that old!) |