As a teenager I sought every opportunity to hike and backpack in the mountains of Virginia. Often I would be going for solo overnight trips. I regularly drove from my home in Mechanicsville to the Shenandoah National Forest or the Jefferson National forest to “walk in quiet solitude…seeking grace in every step.”
I now live in Bedford, VA at the base of the Peaks of Otter. I am the Episcopal priest at St. John’s in Bedford. My wife and I have lived here seventeen years and have raised our three, now adult, children.
My step-father, a retired naval aviator, introduced me to general aviation in my college years as a passenger in planes he was flying. In 2000 I received my private pilot’s license and in 2001 earned an instrument rating.
When we moved to Bedford in 2008 I was introduced to flying Piper Cub variation tail wheel aircraft. I fell in love and have focused on refining my abilities in these aircraft, first in a PA 18 Super Cub and later in PA 12 Super Cruisers. I now have over 1000 hours of flight time. 600 hours of that is in tail wheel aircraft and 500 is in Super Cruisers.
In 2019 I was able to purchase my own aircraft, 1946 PA 12. It had been modified over the years to make it very stable and reliable in a slow flight regime. It is a capable back country machine. With its high wing low speed it is ideal for sightseeing. It is a true “vintage aircraft” experience. I fly the plane often and deeply enjoy sharing it with other people.
I look forward to the opportunity to offer my passion and the plane’s special qualities in service of protecting our environment.
