Born in Hutchinson Kansas in March of 1943 and, forthe exception of a few months, a lifelong residentthereof. Michael has been interested in airplanes foras long as he can remember. Building basic glidingmodel airplanes as early as kindergarten. He begantaking flying lessons in 1963, soloing in March of thatyear. Earning his Commercial and Flight Instructorratings in 1965, he took his first job in aviation asAssistant Airport Manager at Lyons Kansas. Back inHutchinson in 1966, he earned more ratings. OnOctober 14, 1968, Michael was hired by WellsAircraft Inc. as a pilot. In April 1969, was transferred toDillon Co's. Inc. Retiring in 2001, Michaelremained as a contract pilot until 2005.