About my Flying

Ever since I can remember I was always facinated by flight. At an early age I started building plastic models of any plane I could find. Plastic model building eventually led to the construction of control line flying models and free flight rockets. This was enough to keep me busy for many years but the true desire to fly took hold as a senior in high school. I took the military aptitude tests and intended to visit a recruiter with my high scores. Well, unfortunately high scores are not all that is needed to become a fighter pilot in the USAF. The recruiter told me that because of my eyesight I would not qualify for fighter aircraft, but I could easily get into large multi engined transports or helicopters. Being young, foolish and with hurt feelings I turned down the chance to fly in the military. I then set out on my own to get my private pilot license. After my second year of college I obtained my license and have been flying ever since. Getting married, a house and kids curtailed my flying in 1983. Then after a 10 year involvement in auto racing as an owner/driver/crew chief and dwindling funds to race I have returned to my original love, flying. In addition, since my father is a WWII vetern of the Air Force, I have been a WWII Aviation history buff for many years. I enjoy the History Channel's WWII specials and re-enactment of historic air battles from WWII to present through flight sims like CFS1,CFS2 and others.

In August of 2001 I went to Oxford Airport and booked time with an instructor to get current again in accordance with the FAA rules and regulations. Much to my suprise I felt like I had never been away from flying for 18 years. Needless to say I passed all of my flight checks and ground school tests. I was a current pilot again!

In October of 2001 I had the chance to become a member of the Oxford Flying Club and fly 2 fine Archer IIs. Since joining the club I have been flying every week and on August 9, 2002 passed the FAA checkride for my instrument rating.