Since my father loved aircraft and was on the first aircraft carriers in the Navy (USS Langley and USS Ranger) up to the start of WWll and based at Alameda Naval Air Station until the end of the war, I was exposed to flying at a young age. I started saving money to learn to fly when I was 12 years old, built aircraft models, and read every book on the subject of flying I could find.

I soloed at San Carlos Airport on 3 August 1962 and received my Private Certificate that same year. I worked at the Palo Alto Airport for a year and a half maintaining the airport, runway, and fueling while going to college and supporting my flying. Then I worked at the Piper Dealer/Flight School at SJC. While there, I earned my Commercial Pilot certificate and Flight Instructor Rating. After a couple years, I moved to a new flight school at SJC where I instructed for four years and earned my Instrument Instructor and Multi-engine ratings and eventually was Chief Pilot at their second office at San Carlos Airport. Over the years I have met many famous pilots, both civilian and WWll aces from all three sides of WWll. What an adventure!

In March 1969 I was hired by United Airlines where I remained until my official retirement as the senior Captain on 1 Jan 2002. I flew domestic and international: Hawaii, London and Paris (my favorites). My favorite airplane was the B-737-200 on which I logged 15,135 hours and was the most fun. It was great to fly the 12-hour flights from SFO to London and Paris over Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, and England. I got to fly over England, France, and the White Cliffs of Dover where so many of my WWll heroes flew meeting the Luftwaffe over the channel.

After my 30+ year career, I returned to flight instructing for Ahart Aviation at LVK, which I did for 14 years until Ahart closed. I have always been very proud to be a flight instructor and count it as one of the highlights in my career. Now I continue to instruct part time with Bay Area Flying Club.