Aviation has been my life since I was a kid; it was model airplanes hanging from the ceiling and launching model rockets in the park until I was old enough to join the U.S. Air Force. There, I learned how to fix airplanes and keep them flying I worked primarily on the modified Boeing 707 AWACS. After 12 years and enough experience to earn my A&P license, I moved over to the civilian world with Alaska Airlines. Many years and many roles later, life took me to Ohio, and I finally had the opportunity to learn to fly. It was a lifelong dream come true!
I earned my Private Pilot lessons at Clermont County Airport, home of Sporty's Pilot Shop, just outside of Cincinnati. (If you are ever near there on a Saturday, they have free hot dogs and (mostly true) pilot stories starting at noon.) Whilst training I also worked at a corporate jet management company in Cincinnati. Knowing that flying was the profession I wanted to pursue, I moved to Louisville and completed the rest of my certifications with ATP Flight School. After receiving my last certification, I moved to Arizona, where my wife and I currently reside.
Instructing is a privilege to me, so I take it seriously and believe it is the instructor's duty to provide information in the best way, for the most impact, for each student. I view the role of instructor as a guide to aviation, introducing students to the wonders of flight, but safely and within standards. Tutoring allows me to emphasize the ground knowledge and best prepare students for the oral portions of their checkrides.