General Aviation
I came to general aviation in 2010 as an IT professional in search of learning how to fly. With the goal of becoming a career pilot, I began flight training and completed my private pilot rating. Over the course of this year I was able to visualize corporate jet traffic in and out of the airport, as well as ground operations taking place to facilitate these flights. It piqued my interest to say the least.
Flying
Friends
The countless trips we take with friends throughout flight training are some of the best memories. Learning how to navigate the national airspace system, work with ATC, and most importantly, get breakfast!
Easy Access
Flying takes a lot of the legwork out of travel. Places that can take days to commute via highway take only hours or minutes by air. Flight quickly makes the world feel smaller and potential reaches begin to seem limitless.
Opportunity
Flying is an opportunity unlike any other. Given the time and effort training requires, you will be forever changed. Unique adventures like the Hudson River VFR corridor in New York City exemplify places flying can take you without venturing far away.
Advanced Aircraft
Eventually aircraft with better performance of speed and altitude come your way. This new level of flying happens at a much faster pace than you're accustomed, but it quickly normalizes and makes the world feel that much smaller once again. Aviation is a world where higher and faster are almost limitless if you keep showing up and continue to train.
Instrument Flying
The Next Level
Instrument flying is one of the hardest things you will ever learn. I remember an instructor telling me once, "The panel will look like a ballet when you're finally able to see it all move together". Learning through text and practical experience, this phase of training is purely incredible.
Simulator Training
Instrument flight is one phase of training where a simulator makes life easier. You're able to cover much more ground without needing to spend time repositioning the aircraft miles away. A simple pause and click allows you another attempt after briefing the procedure with your instructor.
Checkride Stache
No checkride would be complete without a well-grown mustache. It bears resemblance to the growth and dedication you have given to learning this new skill. Rest assured it will be gone shortly thereafter, but for that special day, you and your wing, and your wings, are all one.
Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic
This journey began at the Lawrence Airport as an apprentice for Falcon Air, Inc. My contact at the FAA told me to plan for fire-hose learning, and he was certainly right! Over this 18 months I learned about everything from tools and hardware, to prudent maintenance practices and logbook entries.
Concurrent with this time at KLWM, I was given the opportunity to learn while working on a corporate Global Express. This was a totally different experience than piston aircraft in every regard. With an aircraft of such size, progressive maintenance is substitute for cyclical inspections, and the daily operations facilitate a different mission than aircraft which often don't stray far their respective traffic pattern.
An opportunity was presented for returning to my home airport to continue my apprenticeship with the maintenance team I knew well from my time in the FBO world. My knowledge was elevated by working in this Part 145 repair station by their heightened procedures and doubled inspections. This was primarily fleet maintenance for a flight school, which was the perfect gateway to my next landing site.
The Hanscom Aero Club operates a fleet of aircraft as a benefit for any civilian pilots who live or work on the military base. These aircraft are maintained in accordance with United States Air Force standards. It was here that I completed my A&P apprenticeship and continue to serve as an aircraft mechanic. It is an honor regularly to be a part of this organization.
Simulator Experience
KBVY Redbird LD
Helicopter Simulator
USAF Redbird FMX
- Development and testing with additional aircraft.
- Replacement of failed SSD, OS reinstallation, and reconfiguration of simulation software and complete system.
- Creation of custom missions from local airports to more accurately represent the training environment.
USAF Redbird FMX
Helicopter Simulator
USAF Redbird FMX
- Upgrading CPU to current model through Redbird.
- Full disassembly to facilitate floor replacement and reassembly several weeks later.
- Construction of Insight workstation, outside of simulator, for CFIs to monitor "solo" simulator flights.
Helicopter Simulator
Helicopter Simulator
Helicopter Simulator
- Dual overhead DLP projectors creating 20' wide X 10' tall field of view.
- Custom-built flight controls.
- TrackIR head motion tracking hardware/software.
- Configured heavily for Dodosim B206 (Prepar3D) and Dreamfoil B407 (X-Plane), as well as several other aircraft.