David Alan Tussey was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky in 1950. His father, Kermit, was a WWII aircrewman and also a private pilot. David's love of aviation started at an early age first as a model builder, then flying remote controlled aircraft, and finally observing and hanging out at the local airport, catching a ride whenever possible.

Graduating first in his high school class, David attended Vanderbilt University and entered the Navy ROTC program. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in computer science and entered Navy Flight training in Pensacola, Florida. David earned his Wings of Gold at NAS Chase Field, Beeville, Texas in January 1975, and was assigned to fly the A-7E Corsair II aircraft.
David's Navy career included assignments in Jacksonville, Florida, Beeville, Texas, Yokosuka, Japan, and Washington, DC. He accumulated over 3500 hours in various aircraft types, and has over 900 carrier landings, of which over 300 are at night. He retired as a Navy Commander in July 1992.
David currently lives in New York City where he works as a technology consultant. He continues his love of aviation through frequent visits to museums, air shows, and conferences.