First flight at Gulfport, MS in 1946 at the age of 7. First flight instruction in 1958. Graduated from Auburn University in 1961 as electrical engineer.
Commissioned in 1961 as a 2nd Lt. in USMC. Designated Naval Aviator in 1964. Vietnam 1965-66 flying F4B fighter and C117D flare drop aircraft. Instructor 1966-69 at NAS Glynco, GA, flying T39D. Vietnam 1969-70 flying OV-10D Bronco airborne spotter and UH1E helicopter gunship. Dignitary pilot 1970-75 in VC131F, VC-54, and VC118B. Flew Commandant, USMC, 1972-75. Retired from USMC in 1981 as a LtCol.
Test/Demonstration pilot, Falcon Jet Corporation 1981-82, flying Falcon 10, 20 & 50. Corporate pilot, Wm. Wrigley, Jr. Company, 1982-84 flying Falcon 10. Airline pilot, American Trans Air 1984-86 flying B727 and L1011. Airline FedEx 1986-Present (2003) flying B727, DC10, MD11 aircraft.
Holds FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate (all category and class ratings, excepting powered lift), 50 type ratings. Gold Seal Certified Flight Instructor (all ratings, excepting powered lift). Ground Instructor. Flight Engineer. Senior Parachute Rigger. Aircraft Dispatcher. Mechanic. Control Tower Operator.
Approximately 27,000 hours flying time in over 300 types of aircraft. Holds 15 world and U.S. speed records as Captain of MD11 aircraft. Member of AOPA, BFA, CAF, EAA, IAC, NAA, NAFI, NATA, SSA, USPA, WOA.