Page 7 - Volume 16 Number 12

PilotIn the summer of 2000, I as an aspiring jet pilot, from the the clouds, a flying passion-centeredexcitedly read an article aboutan upcoming small jet made for the masses – the Eclipse Jet. I was star-struck by the potential freedom afforded by a fast, efficient, and safe jet aircraft that I, a mere mortal, could hope to fly. To this instrument- rated Bonanza driver, such an aircraft would be the ultimate ride. This is the story of my journeyDECEMBER 2012TWIN & TURBINE • 5cherished dream of freedom while awaiting delivery of my Eclipse, to the despair left by Eclipse’s failure and, ultimately, the sweet success of crafting and operating my alternative, modernized Citation jet transport.First off, let me relate a bit about my past. I gather that my dreams and aspirations are similar to many whohave dared to defy gravity through aviation. I am privileged to live with myhead inlife, surrounded by people who can tolerate, and occasionally share in, my aerial affliction.My aviation affliction started early. When I was 14, I worked at tidying up and organizing the engineering lab of Gables Engineering, a local avionics company. Over the course of a decade in their employment and in the company of the many talented engineers for whom I worked, I learned how to design robust and rugged avionics, from the circuit cards to the software and everything in between. There are still plenty of B737 aircraft running around with software in their navigation system that I wrote when I was 16.I certainly hope not many have gotten lost.