At the age of ten, an aptitude test suggested that he would excel at dentistry and piloting due to his superior spatial skills. Like most kids, he didn’t listen to the suggestion. Springboard diving competition led to aerial ski jumping that led to hang gliding, and he soon realized a need to stay in the air while maneuvering. After having watched Patty Wagstaff fly at a local air show, his life has not been the same.