In 2015, my dad purchased a J-3 Cub, sparking my passion for aviation through countless fly-ins during my formative years. In 2018, as a high school senior, I consulted with an AME about my early childhood medical history. While it was deemed fightable, the process with the FAA backlog would take years and cost $10-15K an unattainable sum for a high school student. Determined to fly, I spent three months becoming familiar with the process and finding alternatives: settling on pursuing a Sport Pilot Certificate, which allows pilots to qualify with a valid U.S. driver’s license instead of a medical certificate.

I earned my Sport Pilot Certificate in 2022 at Cub Air Flight with Steve Krog, a Part 61 flight school in Hartford, Wisconsin, training exclusively in tailwheel aircraft. Over the past three years, I’ve logged 600+ PIC hours and leveraged my film business to gain access to a diverse range of General Aviation aircraft. From gliders to MiG-15s, to the A-26 Invader, P40 Warhawk, Stearman, and Extra 330. I’ve built a varied flying portfolio, enriching my skills and passion for aviation. I am currently working on the medical certification process and am studying to take the AFOQT for the Air National Guard with hopes to go to the 128th ARW in Milwaukee, WI. In April of 2025 I earned my seaplane add on. And in September of 2025 I earned my flight instructor rating.

As of 2025, As much as I’d love flying to be my full-time job, I run a small production company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a day job. The company is heavily focused on aviation but also documentary, real estate, and corporate business productions. However, it does allow me the flexibility to choose my hours and schedule.

Over the past three years, I’ve intentionally kept my status as a Sport Pilot a secret, blending in with the aviation community with my Aeronca Chief, which fits into the light sport category. This was a deliberate choice because early on, I encountered pilots who dismissed the Sport Pilot Certificate as inferior, despite its nearly identical evaluation to the Private Pilot Certificate and its benefits, such as significantly lower barriers to entry, and a way to earn money as a CFI-S, which doesn’t require a commercial or instrument rating; a hidden gem.

My story is dedicated to inspiring prospective aviators to strategically navigate their journey into aviation—especially those facing hurdles—while showcasing the fun, adventurous side of flying. Through trips in my 1946 Aeronca Chief, I demonstrate that even with a Sport Pilot Certificate, you can enjoy 90% of what a Private Pilot can. My goal is to promote aviation in a positive light, educate on strategic entry into the field, and build connections across the aviation community through engaging video and photo content.

Check out my recent film: FIRST SPORT PILOT TO SOLO THE BOEING STEARMAN