As a kid growing up in Sacramento, I have fond memories of my grandfather driving me past the executive airport on weekends. On the most memorable trip, we went into the terminal building and he bought me the Airplane Flying Handbook. I knew then that becoming a pilot was my calling. Over the years that followed, my family and friends had to endure my chatter about aviation this, and aviation that, “did you know high pressure systems generally bring good weather and rotate clockwise!”, and, “wind direction can shift 90 degrees below 3000ft AGL due to surface friction!”, and statements like, “That is an Eclipse Jet EA500 made in New Mexico. I intend one day to own and operate one!” At the time I didn’t know why EVERYONE didn’t enjoy flying to the same extent as me, but they tolerated it mostly due to my enthusiasm and passion as I continued to learn about all aspects of aviation, from federal regulations, weather principles, aerodynamics, and the national airspace system. Every time I fly I learn something.

The list goes on and on. They may not have enjoyed flying the same way I did, but they acknowledged my enthusiasm and passion and were supportive of my goal.

A few years down the road in middle school, I created several opportunities to make presentations to my class including the fundamentals of aerodynamics as well as the basic operations of piston, turboprop, and jet engines. I earned an “A” for a classroom presentation on Aero-medical Factors (i.e. Hypoxia, Spatial Disorientation, Vision, etc.).

I took controls of an airplane for the first time when I was 14 through the EAA Young Eagles program, and I was hooked. I waited until I was a few years older and initiated flight training at my local airport Grass Valley (KGOO) when I was 16.

The following year I won a scholarship to attend the EAA Air Academy at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, a time I'll truly never forget and that opened my eyes to more possibilities.

I earned my Private Pilot's License in 2011 at KGOO when I was 18 while enrolled at the community college full time and found employment to support my aviation endeavors.

Not long after, I began taking more flight lessons at the same institution to get my IFR certificate. I even worked for the company washing airplanes and cleaning the hanger to help offset some of the costs. Unfortunately, the load between working, flying and attending college full-time became overwhelming for me, and I had to take a break from flying for a few years.

I still can't believe or comprehend how fast those years went by.

In 2018, I had finally graduated from the University with a B.S. degree in Computer Science and along the way earned an A.S. in both Mathematics and Physical Science.

Life has changed a lot in the years since I got my Private Pilot Certificate, and now my next push is to make it to the left seat with a secure, income producing career. I have built up some good Cross Country and IFR hours and fly on my simulator every day, but I need help to complete my training.

I met Greg Webster, my Mentor, and a source of strength, enthusiasm and direction. He shared his own story with me (he was a struggling pilot with little money to become a pilot and knew what he wanted to do, and he made it happen!) His encouragement is helping me through some tough times and keeping the wind under my own wings right now.

Therefore, I'm reaching out to YOU in the hope you may relate to my becoming the best damned pilot I can be. If you are in a position to help, please make a contribution to my campaign, large or small. I will reward you with progress reports of my success and you can know you were a large part of it. If you have any requests of me please let me know and I will do what I can to fulfill them.

Please be assured that I in no way feel "entitled" to receive a helping hand and that I will solidly “Pass it on” as my main sponsor has done for me. Greg Webster is now advising me and contributing to my career in the aviation business, a gift I could never have imagined in the beginning but for which I will be forever grateful.

Please, won't you too consider making a contribution of any size (every little bit counts) to my crowd-funding page so I can keep my wings, achieve what I set out for long ago, and secure a better financial life for my family.

I am strong-willed, determined, and full of grit. I'm very serious about taking my flying to the next level and achieving this dream!

Thank you in advance for your generosity!



Thanks for reading!



-Michael R.