SCFC: How did you first get involved with SCFC?

MF: I have acquaintances with connections at the Flight Center. I finished my undergrad degree at St. Mary's College in May and told my previous employer that I would be looking for a job in the Bay Area. Towards the end of July, I was offered the opportunity to meet the team, the fleet, and discuss how I might contribute to moving the maintenance in house.

SCFC: How did you first become interested in aircraft maintenance?

MF: My father gave me the aviation bug when I was very young. I remember helping him rebuild a Mooney M20A and painting it red when I was 8 years old. Since then, I have tinkered with all types of machines, but I find airplanes to be the most satisfying. I really dove into aircraft maintenance in 2007 when I began working at a research and development facility in Davis that built prototype rotary engines and UAVs that had VTOL capabilities. I enrolled in the A&P program at Sacramento College and graduated in 2009. I then moved to San Jose to install avionics and became inspired by the technology and its ability to improve the safety of flight.

SCFC: What kind of experience do you have as a pilot?

MF: I learned to fly in a Cessna 150, obtained my tail wheel endorsement in a Cessna 120, earned my high performance in a Cessna 182, and then received my complex in a Cessna 210. If you can't tell, I love flying Cessna. I also have experience flying Mooney, Beechcraft, Marchetti, Piper, and a couple of experimental aircraft. I often make trips up to Washington and Northern Idaho to visit my family, and have flown very long cross country trips, sometimes across the entire United States. These trips have taught me valuable lessons about respecting weather and having to deviate because of airport closures. These challenging situations, along with my mechanical background, have helped me become a well-rounded pilot.

SCFC: What do you do for fun outside of the Flight Center?

Poker Run

Saturday, August 23

What is a poker run? It's a fun game of poker that pilots play by flying to different airports, collecting cards, and assembling their best hand. We meet up at the end to turn in our best hands over an ice cream social. Bring a friend or two, play a couple of hands, and put a different spin on your Saturday flight.

Click here for complete details, including how to sign up. Game on!

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Edwards Air Force Base Tour

Friday, September 26

SCFC and the Bay Area FlyOutGroup (FOG) present a private group tour of Edwards Air Force Base. The day's activities include a visit to the Air Force Flight Test Museum, a tour of the 2nd largest Air Force base (including the flight line), and a safety briefing of Restricted Area R-2508, composed of bombing ranges, supersonic corridors, radar intercept areas, and refueling areas.

Click here for complete details, including how to sign up. Participation is limited.

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