I applied to become a volunteer at the Palm Springs Air Museum, and started training in January of 2015. All volunteers undergo over 50 hours of training, consisting of both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. I completed training and started my first shift as a docent in the Pacific Hangar on March 26, 2015. That very day I received a registered letter from the FAA revoking my medical certificate. The letter instructed me to put the certificate in the enclosed postage-paid envelope and mail it back to them.

I tried to appeal their decision, but soon learned that a bureaucratic fight with the FAA would be long and expensive – and I would be unable to fly in the interim. I put both airplanes on the market – the SR22 sold quickly and the SR20 after a few months. That door has firmly closed.

It is said that, "when one door closes another door opens." I enjoy my work at the museum immensely, as I am surrounded by other volunteers who share my interest in airplanes and history. Most of the volunteers are veterans, many are pilots, and they have all taught me a lot.

We have visitors from all over the world who are eager to learn about the airplanes and the history of World War II in the Pacific. Some older visitors have shared their experiences of living under German or Japanese occupation. They too have taught me a lot.

The new door is wide open and I'm just starting.

Check out my wild ride in the museum's P-51 Mustang on May 26, 2018.