How did you get involved....

[Fleet16b]

I can't remember aviation not being in my life.
My dad (86 YRS)was named after a WWI pilot and he himself loved a/c as a boy.
When old enough , he apprenticed at the Hamilton Aero Club up here in Canada. Then the War and he ended up at #9 EFTS in the RCAF.
I grew up hearing flying stories , building models etc. At 12yrs I helped Dad restore a Pietenpol Aircamper, and have restored vintage a/c ever since.
Worked for a few years at CWH (79-84)
Had to fly ofcourse soloing in 1985. Then bought a 1946 J 3 and flew my a#$ off.
I'm now 43 and 3 years ago fullfilled a lifelong dream.
I bought a 1940 Fleet Finch 16R (EX RCAF)and imported it back to Canada.
A point of personal pride is the fact that 61 yrs after my Father left the Airforce , I was able to obtain the same type of a/c he flew AND I landed it at the same base he was at during the war to clear customs.
Another twist of fate I own the name and logo for the original Hamilton Aero Club.
Sometimes dreams do come true ..........and life can be magic

[FlyingFortB17]

That is an awesome story!

[gtokid]

When I was about 12-13 years old, my family moved to Elkhart, IN. My dad had been exploring the area, and meet a man named Ray Stutsman. He was in the Warbird restoration business. Probably his biggest achivement was the P-47 named "Little Demon"......I was in love the moment I layed eyes on it. Ray gave me my first airplane ride in a Cherokee Six. The rest is history. I got my private and A&P at Purdue University. I now work full time as an aircraft mechanic for Purdue's flight school which includes 2 de Haviland Chipmunks. In the future I'd love to go warbird hunting or work for a warbird restoration shop or museum.

Todd Brewer

[tom d. friedman]

the year was 1976, 7th grade school trip to washington d.c., bought an issue of wings magazine at cleveland hopkins airport for the flight. it's been all up hill from their!!!