I started flying when I was 17 and I received my license on my 19th birthday. I soloed a Piper J2, 40 HP, single ignition and had to thermal with my instructor to gain pattern altitude. The cars were going faster along the highway which paralleled the runway, than the airplane. I have been a member of EAA since 1977 and have contributed to every cause from the First brick onward. Probably more than anybody else, not as much money, but for more causes than anybody. (You may check with Greg Anderson at EAA). I am a lifetime member of EAA. I have owned may airplanes in my lifetime, including 2 Fairchild 24s, a 165 HP Warner radial, and a 200 HP Rainger in line, upside down, 2 Tcrafts L2s, 2 Piper Tripacers, a 135 HP and the other 150 HP, a Belanca 14-19 (that was the best airplane), 2 Cessnas, one a full 1FR150 which I converted to a Thorton Stoll & Tail dragger (that was a mistake). The landing gear was too soft.

I presently own a full 1FR150 with a full Thorton stoll kit in Australia. I have also owned a Cessna 310 Riley Rocket. I am also a lifetime member of NAA.