Where It All Began

I came across this photo today and it brought back a lot of memories. This photo was taken in 1966 at Buchanan Field in Concord, California. That is a 1939 Stinson 105. My Father restored this airplane from the ground up. It came to our house as a huge aircraft kit. The previous owner had torn it completely apart and it came to us in box after box of parts with no directions on how to reassemble it. My Father rebuilt it in our garage, a task I loved to watch. To give you an idea of how much times have changed, after the engine was hung on the bare fuselage we rolled it out into the street, tied the tail to a telephone pole and started the engine to test it right in front of our house; how do you think that would go over with the neighbors today? Back then nobody cared.

My Father is on the right, his partner Jack Linginger is next to him with me on the left. Jack is a fantastic painter who put the finish on the Stinson. That aircraft went on to win multiple trophies at fly-ins on the West Coast, and is a testament to the craftsmanship that my Father displays in everything he does.

My Background

The following are some of my experiences and accomplishments that I believe make me a good District X Vice-President.

I've been modeling since I was a child. My Father got me started in modeling and it has held a special place in my heart ever since. I've built free flight, control line, and radio control models. I enjoy something in all aspects of our sport and I intend to represent all types of modeling with equal enthusiasm.

I have been a Design/Project Engineer for 28 years in the Aerospace Industry. I have worked in Defense, and am currently working at a major domestic airline. In defense I designed parts for two missiles used in the “Star Wars” program, and produced parts for the Space Shuttle as well. In the airline industry on the maintenance side I have been the Primary Engineer, on flight control systems, aircraft interiors, and aircraft structure. On the Operations side I was the Operational Engineer on a wide-bodied aircraft, and as such worked with our Chief Pilots to maintain and modify the aircraft flight manual used by all of our pilots. During my career I have worked a number of long-term projects that required supervising multiple participants to ensure project goals and timelines were met. I believe that translates directly in to skills that an effective District Vice President needs.

In addition I have owned and operated my own Video Production Company and understand the skills need to be a successful entrepreneur. How to market my products which I think are the skills that our local clubs need to employ to market themselves to their communities to win and retain flying sites.

I’ve spent my whole life enthralled by all aspects of aviation. It was this love of aviation that prompted me to secure a Bachelor’s of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of California. I also have a Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot’s License with Instrument Privileges.

Ultimately the members of District X need to choose the candidate that they feel is best qualified to be elected. You have selected me twice in the past.  If the Members re-elect me I would consider it an honor to continue to serve District X as their Vice-President.