2011 - A 22 State Odyssey

About the Book

About the Author

Frank was born in a small town in southeastern South Dakota on December 4, 1937. At age 14, he moved to Oregon, then after a year, moved to Montana where High school was completed in 1955 at Helena. While at Helena, Frank attended the School of Aeronautics and Related Trades, graduating in February, 1957, then tested with the FAA and was awarded the Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certificate. Before leaving Montana, Frank also obtained his Private Pilot Certificate, working for Morrison Flying Service. Frank began his career as an airplane mechanic with Ozark Airlines at St. Louis in March of 1957. This continued until January of 1960 when Frank joined the Air Force to avoid being drafted. After the 4-year enlistment, Frank returned to Ozark and worked until March of 1967 when he accepted employment as Maintainability Engineer with McDonnell Aircraft Company. McDonnell merged with Douglas later that year, and merged again with Boeing in 1997. Frank retired from Boeing in May of 2005. Frank has been active as both pilot and mechanic throughout his life, having owned 5 airplanes and logged over 1,100 hours flight time as pilot. In January, 2007 Frank was presented the Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” award for 50 years as pilot without a violation; and in February, 2009 he was presented the Charles Taylor “Master Mechanic” award for 50 years as A&P mechanic without a violation, both by the FAA. While working on obtaining his glider rating, his medical certificate was denied by the FAA in 2011 following stent placement in his heart, thus ending his flying activities. Frank remains active with general aviation by volunteering as A&P mechanic at Wings of Hope, a local benevolent aviation related charity. Frank is active in his local Christian Church and enjoys fishing, golfing, and traveling.