B.S. Neenah, WI
“Many thanks to Dave who took on a larger task than either of us had imagined, of getting me to my first Type rating. Fifteen years of flying an old Turbo Commander proved not to be as helpful as I thought it would be. Old habits and unfamiliarity with the glass cockpit made this a tough transition. But Dave is the ultimate professional who never lost his cool or his professionalism, and provided me with outstanding Jet basics that will never leave me. Because of Dave I am a decent (though still green) Phenom pilot and a better pilot in general than ever before. Thank you, Dave. I look forward to flying with you as frequently as possible in the future so I can keep learning from you”.
Dave began his flying career at 16 and earned his Private Pilot’s license shortly after his 17th birthday. He graduated with Honors from Florida Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Air Commerce Flight Technology and later completed his Masters Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle University. After graduation he joined the Air Force through Officers Training School and later completed pilot training at Reese AFB, TX. He was selected to the fly the F-16 at Torrejon Air Base, Spain with the 614 Tactical Fighter Squadron “Lucky Devils”. Dave served 23 years in the active Air Force and Air Force Reserve retiring as a Lt Colonel. His assignments included operational F-16 units in Europe and the United States as well as an assignment as a T-37 Instructor Pilot at Columbus AFB, MS where he served as the Assistant Chief of the 14 Flying Training Wing’s Standardization and Evaluation Division. He commanded the 39th Flying Training Squadron, Moody AFB, GA, the Air Force Reserve’s first associate Joint Primary Aircraft Training System unit employing both the T-6 and the AT-38 jet trainer as well as a tour flying the lead solo #5 F-16 aircraft with the Air Force Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” where he flew over 150 air shows in all 50 states as well as in Europe and South America before millions of spectators including the President of the United States, Secretary of State and numerous heads of state. His awards and achievements include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and Top Graduate of his Pilot Instructor Training class. Additionally, he was the awarded the Air Force “Pilot of Distinction Award” for his recovery of an F-16 during an air show after a catastrophic afterburner explosion. He is an ATP rated pilot as well as a CFII/MEI. He has over 5,000 hours of flight time and over 1,200 hours instructing in jets, with type ratings in the Embraer Phenom 100 and 300 as well as the Citation Mustang (CE-510S). Please feel free to contact Dave at 904-631-0153, or via email dave@highercallingaviation.com