I'd Like to Learn More About You...
Hello,
I just joined Hangar Chat a few days ago, and I see the membership is still relatively small. I think it would be a good idea to get to know one another before this site explodes with growth. I will start with a short bio of myself. Please feel free to share whatever you are comfortable with. Most all of us are pilots here, so we have some things in common.
I started flying back in 1976 at a place called Collegedale Airpark. They've changed the identifier since I was there, it is now KFGU. It used to be 3M3, if I remember correctly, I'll have to go back and look in my logbook.
I had the desire to learn to fly when I was a kid growing up in Africa, and as a Missionary Preacher's Kid, (MPK) we lived on a remote mission station called Mombera in Central Malawi, (Nyasaland back in the 60s). Every second tuesday of the month, we would be blessed with a Flying Dr service that came up from a place called Malamulo which was about 40 miles outside of Blantyre in Southern Malawi. The pilot was a World War ll Veteran and he was a seasoned aerobatic pilot as well as a Dr, and along with him he would be accompanied by a dentist, a nurse, and a student missionary. He would buzz the mission station with the Church's C-185 and then do a barrel roll as he pulled up, then he would enter the pattern. In the mean time, everyone from the surrounding neighborhood (probably 200 people at least) would race to the runway to watch him land. My sister and I would get on the two motorcycles we had, one was a Honda 90 and a Yamaha 100, and my folks would get in their car (Peugeot 403) and hurry to the dirt strip nearby. It was my responsibility to put up the windsock, and check that there were no obstructions on the runway before they would arrive. They would stay the night, and we would put on a concert for them. The following day they would takeoff, and fly to the Northern Dispensaries taking care of health and dental issues. Every once in a while, my sister and I would have the opportunity to fly in the back seat of that C-185. What a trip!
That was the highlight of my 12 year stay in Africa as I grew up. I never dreamed I'd actually become a pilot until I came back to the US and found fuel prices were very cheap, and I was able to get my private pilots license for $880. Wow, have times changed since then.
Currently I've over 15,000 hours, have flown many different aircraft, but one of my favorites was the Learjet 20 series, which next to the military T-38, had the same engines, except for the afterburners. My most recent job was flying a B-727 and next to the Lear, which was like flying a Porsche, compared to the B-727 which I would compare to driving a truck, although it is very versatile, and can even go into airstrips that even a Lear could not.
Most recently, I've started an Air Ambulance Business called Desert Sun Aviation, LLC. I'm still busy putting it together, and am acting as a broker at the moment. I'm also into internet marketing, and am into several different ventures, the most recent one being Perpetual 20.
That's it in a nutshell, now it's your turn. I'd love to hear your story.
Take Care,
James Wright
Views: 1422
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Adam Miller on
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Great Post James - and loved learning about your flying career and best of luck with Desert Sun.
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Permalink Reply by James Wright on
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Hello Adam,
Thank you for stopping by... Would you be willing to share a little about why you got into flying? Don't be shy!
James
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Permalink Reply by Obie S. Young on
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Obie Young is involved in promoting Aviation and Aviation Safety through Television and Radio over the airwaves and via the internet. He lives and works in Central Florida, however, works with Airmen and production personnel throughout the world.
OBIE S. YOUNG
President
National Aviation Safety Foundation
FAA Production Studios , Director
FMPTA, Board Member
Obie S. Young is an Airline Transport Pilot with over 16,000 hours accumulated in his 44 years in aviation. He has worked in FAR Part 141 pilot training, FAR Part 135 charter, Corporate Flight Operations and as a FAA Designated Written and Flight Examiner for Private through ATP. He flew in air shows for six years and produced and directed air shows for 19 years. He is a member of several aviation organizations and a lifetime member of EAA and Florida Air Museum at SUN ‘n FUN.
He worked with the FAA Accident Prevention Program for 15 years in industry. He was the founder and past president of the Mississippi Association of Flight Instructors. He was awarded Flight Instructor of the Year for the United States in 1977. He was awarded the Master Certified Flight Instructor Award in 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005 and 2011. He wrote for several aviation publications and had his own column "Unusual Attitudes." He has made hundreds of presentations throughout the United States and is a Distinguished Toastmaster.
He served with the Flight Standards Division of the FAA from 1990 to 2010 when he retired from the FAA. He served as the National Safety Team (FAASTeam) Production Manager at the National Resource Center in Lakeland, Florida. He is the Director of the FAA Production Studios, a joint effort of the FAA and the National Aviation Safety Foundation. The studios main facilities are located in Lakeland, Florida where he has produced and directed hundreds of videos, many of which have been distributed nationally. He is a member of the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association and a Life Member of Media Communications Association International. His programs have be broadcast over the Aviation Training Network, Government Educational Training Network, Florida Aviation Network, Dish Network, and streamed over the world wide web. He is the executive Producer of Managing Safety, a weekly podcast radio show.
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Sorry for the strange formatting.. tried to insert an image. *** OBIE ***
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Hello Obie,
When I placed my tags, they got all mixed up, so don't worry about it. Looks like you've been around the block a time or two. Who did the report for you? I was actually looking for a personal bio, but this will work!
Take Care,
James
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Permalink Reply by Lorrie Penner on
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Just joined today. Thought I'd check it out. I'm having fun flying in the Pawnee towing gliders for my Glider Club. And flying the gliders as well whenever I get an opportunity out of the tow plane. ;-) I've only been flying for the last 9 years. Actually was a flight attendant in the 80's and thought the pilots looked like they were having way more fun than what I was doing. But kids and life intervened and I finally started training when I was in my 40's. Now just love the opportunity to soar and have fun with my aviation friends.
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Hi Lorrie, that's great. I'm glad to hear you've managed to find your dream once again. One of these days I'd like to get my glider's license, but it will have to wait until my financial situation's a little better!
Take Care,
James
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Greeting Lorrie: Are you a member of SSA? Do you attend the annual SSA Safety Seminar in Lakeland, Fl. or watch it on the internet through FAA Production Studios? *** OBIE ***
Please check out the Managing Safety Show with Thomas Knauff 2/10/2010. In this interview, they discuss
- soaring safely along with several interesting topics regarding unpowered flight. Recorded at the
- Soaring Society of America Safety Seminar.
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Yes, I am a member, but have not attended the annual SSA Safety Seminar in Lakeland. I did go to the FAA Productions Studios website and listen to a couple of the podcasts after I found your website. At Sun N Fun and AirVenture I have been more involved in the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) and its a activities. I have been an officer on their board of directors and currently serve as the Achievement Award Chair with the IAC.
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Please remember that this is a joint effort of the National Avaition Safety Foundation and the FAA . 99% of the crew are volunteers (no pay). We depend on industry groups for programing an information. We use to have an acrobatic event back when we hosted the WAC in LAL, however now the closest we have is "Stalls , Spins, and Other Safety Matters" in October. *** OBIE ***
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So, I take it you are keeping your eyes open for an aerobatic event?
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Yes indeed we are always open to discuss any type of event.
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