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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Christopher Don McKenzie

David has been defying gravity since early childhood. From reading airline reports to watching arrivals and departures with his mother at their home airport in Des Moines, IA, David has been fascinated by all things aviation. If his enthusiasm for flight was not obvious as a young boy, it was reiterated when he hosted an aviation-themed celebration for his high school graduation (complete with boarding pass invitations for his guests). After high school, David ventured to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD to earn a double major in Computer Science and Economics. He was persistent to find his “office” in the blue sky above, which led him to seek formal flight training at Aerosim Flight Academy (formerly Delta Connection Academy) in Sanford, FL. After successfully earning his Commercial Pilot License, David became a Certified Flight Instructor and relocated to Houston, TX to teach eager students both in the classroom and aboard various aircrafts. In 2008, David was hired by a regional commercial airline and ended his work as a full-time Flight Instructor. Since then he has cross-trained on two jet engine aircrafts and served as the Pilot in Command for a private operation in Huntsville, AL. His ultimate aspiration is to serve as Captain for a major commercial airline. In his spare time David enjoys being a foodie, reading, and jet-setting across the globe – from the USA and Canada to Asia, Europe, Fiji, and beyond!