SAFE #: S0000600
Hometown: Carterville IL, United States
Home Airport: KMWA
Occupation: Pilot, Cape Air/Nantucket Airlines
Education: Aviation Technology, B.S., Communication, B.A.
Pilot Certificates: ATP, CFII/MEI, Gold Seal
Airplanes Flying/Flown: Cessna 402C for work. Cessna 140 for pleasure. 40+ other types in my logbook.
Educational Specialty: Aircraft transitions/checkouts, G1000 glass cockpits
Q & A
What drew you to aviation?: When I was seven years old, I took my first flight on an airline. After the flight, as I was leaving, the pilots asked me if I wanted to look at the cockpit. I was hooked by the whole experience.
How long have you been involved in aviation education?: I was a flight instructor for six years, and flight school manager for three of those years, before joining Cape Air.
What’s your favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: I love seeing aviation change a person’s life, and having a part in that. No matter if a person wants to fly for recreation or a career, it’s amazing to help them do something they’ve always dreamed of doing. If it’s a business person wanting to integrate flying into their busy lifestyle, it’s very satisfying to pass along lessons that will ensure they keep safely coming home to their family every night.
What’s your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: The (sometimes) long hours. The days when nothing seems to go right–the weather is lousy, the airplane has a mechanical problem, etc. The occasional time when I’ve tried explaining something a dozen different ways, yet the client still can’t “get it” for some reason. But then again, when they do “get it” the moment is that much more rewarding.
Do you have a memorable aviation experience you’d like to share?: I’ve had more memorable moments than I can count! They’re all special in their own way. Between teaching and ferrying, I’ve flown all sorts of aircraft to all corners of North America, at all times of day, in all sorts of weather. I can’t pick a single favorite moment.
Why did you join SAFE?: I appreciate how active of an organization SAFE is. I believe SAFE is a powerful advocate for the value of experienced, long-term, professional instructors–something that the aviation industry needs.
What would you like to see change in aviation?: I think all segments of the industry need to focus less on price and more on value. That goes all the way from flight schools trying to rent planes for the cheapest price possible, to instructors teaching as cheaply as possible, to airlines trying to keep forcing their ticket prices unrealistically low. I’m all for a good deal, but their are other factors to consider when picking an aircraft, instructor, or airline ticket than just the bottomline price.
Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished?: Leaders in the industry–flight instructors, FBO managers, airline executives–need to educate their consumers on how it’s worth it to pay a bit more in order to receive a superior product.
Any accomplishments in, or noteworthy contributions to aviation and/or aviation education you’d like to mention?: I’ve done some cool stuff, but I don’t like to brag 
Who are your role models in aviation?: Pilots who have a diverse background in many areas and have found ways to pass on their expertise to up and coming pilots. Bob Buck, Barry Schiff, and John and Martha King are some of the first names that come to my mind. I want to be able to look back at my life as a pilot and know that I experienced as much as I possibly could.
