SAFE#: 0231

Hometown: Helena, MT

Home Airport: KHLN

Occupation: Flight Educator

Website: http://www.mountainairdancellc.com/

Education: Dixie College, St. George, Utah 1995-1997, AS, Professional Flight; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, BS, Professional Aeronautics, 2004; Honors Student, Aviation Accident Investigation Certificate, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 1999.

Research Projects: Aeronautics Webcam Research Project, 2009. The Brewer conference on aerospace education: part of a four-member team assessing needs and defining vision for national aerospace education, 2002.

Pilot Certificates: Commercial Pilot, Airplane Single Land and Sea, Instrument; Multi-Engine Land, Instrument; Flight Instructor, Airplane and Instrument; Tailwheel Airplane; Mountain Pilot Flight Instructor

Airplanes Flying/Flown: Super Decathlon, King Air C90 and others

Educational Specialty: Mountain Airdance LLC specializes in mountain flying, Rich Stowell’s Stall/Spin training and EMT (Emergency Maneuver Training), tailwheel endorsements, and basic aerobatics.

How long have you been involved in aviation education? As a flight Instructor 17 years and with the state of Montana’s aviation education programs 14 years.

What’s your favorite part of what you do in aviation education? Working with really good people of all ages sharing aviation. My favorite part is when a young person who was involved in an aviation program that we put on, or that I once gave a Young Eagles flight to, invites me to the front line of an air show they are performing in, or calls to tell me that they are graduating from the USAF Academy.

What’s your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education? Oh, I guess the paper work.

Do you have a memorable aviation experience you’d like to share? I was awarded the EAA Freedom of Flight Award (their highest achievement award) for having flown over 3,400 Young Eagles.

Why did you join SAFE? Because “SAFE is a member oriented organization of aviation educators which fosters professionalism and excellence in aviation through continuing education, professional standards, and industry accreditation. Together with our industry partners and the Federal Aviation Administration, SAFE will provide all segments of the aviation world with resources to advance the profession and to assist aviation educators in developing skilled, knowledgeable, and safe members of the aviation community. SAFE embraces the future of aviation education involving instructors, aircraft, students, technology, and learning.”

What would you like to see change in aviation? That we strive to keep the freedom of flight as AOPA and EAA are doing, and that the costs to fly are such that anyone who has the dream to fly can do it.

Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished? Be aware, be involved, and fight the fight.

Any accomplishments in or noteworthy contributions to aviation and/or aviation education you’d like to mention? In addition to the EAA Freedom of Flight Award: 2002 Pilot of the Year Award, Montana Pilots Association; 2002 Educator of the Year Award, Women in Aviation International; 2002 Women in Aviation Management Scholarship, Women in Aviation International; 2000 Aviation Educator of the year, Federal Aviation Administration, Northwest Region. I’m a Master Instructor as well.

Who are your role models in aviation? The Wright brothers; they loved bicycles and airplanes. Harriet Quimby; she had great courage. Antoine de Saint-Exupery for his wisdom and writing. Rich Stowell for his professional flight instructing. Patty Wagstaff for her sky dancing. Dr. Peggy Chabrian, WAI President & Founder, for her vision. EAA for the Young Eagles program.