[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I have been active in aviation for most of my adult life. As a youngster I was introduced to GA flying with the grandfather of one of my childhood friends. Grandpa was a backcountry outfitter and my first experience flying with him was memorable, sitting on freshly oiled yet well-worn saddles and salt blocks in the rear of a rough Cessna 172 without any seatbelt, and when the baggage door opened in flight, he shouted at me to not fall out. And so it began, I started flying lessons when I was able to drive myself to the local airport.

I have been involved in both the homebuilt and certified areas of aviation, having built a Vans RV-7 kit plane several years ago. I have had the opportunity to own several certified aircraft and to use these aircraft as tools for business as well as recreation. Whether it was used to attend to client meetings in remote areas or to enjoy the Canadian backcountry on a weekend camping trip, I have embraced aviation as part of a successful business and rewarding personal lifestyle. I have logged over 2,500 hours of flight time in a variety of different aircraft as I pursued and completed my various ratings, which have culminated in a Single/Multi Engine Land and Sea with a Group 1 IFR rating.

As a member of COPA Flight 180, I assisted with bringing a successful COPA for Kids event to Fort St. John in 2017, and I previously volunteered as a pilot with COPA for Kids in Alberta. I believe I can bring a fresh voice and a well-rounded GA perspective to issues facing the membership in western Canada, and I am committed to ensuring that our rights and freedoms as a community are maintained for the current and future generations of aviators.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]