Seeing New Horizons

<p>The Well-Grounded Aviator</p><p></p><p>June 1 1998: While flying as a passenger I survived a plane crash with traumatic head injuries and a loss of smell taste and sight.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>August 15 1999: Went to the Rehabilitation for the Blind in Raleigh to learn all new life skills.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>June 6 2000: Became the first and only blind Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) in the world.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>June 12 2000: Received first Guide Dog Lincoln from Southeastern Guide Dog Incorporated.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>October 2000: Became first and only blind Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) in the world.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>December 2004 graduated from University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) with Lincoln the Navigator.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>May 2007 graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) with Lincoln the Aviator became the first and only blind graduate student in their 82 year history and graduated with distinction.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>June 1 2007: Nine year anniversary of the accident began doctoral degree in business administration with a specialization in aeronautical safety online at Northcentral University.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>January 20 2009: Jet my second Guide Dog came into my life from Guide Dog Foundation.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>March 1 2010: Began work with the FAA as an Aviation Safety Analyst with the Commercial and General Aviation Branch AFS-800 at Headquarters in Washington DC.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>August 1 2014: Married Robin at Graceland in Elvis's Chapel in the Woods.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>July 5 2017: Dissertation completed and gave oral defense of: The Relationship between Pilot Attitudes and the execution of Flight Safety Checklists to become Dr. Hyde. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>July 30 2018 Bravo third Guide dog received from Southeastern Guide Dog Incorporated. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>ERAU's first president Jack R. Hunt had a famous saying For most people the sky is the limit. But for those who love aviation the sky is home. For me the sky is home and I will always want to be a part of flying the friendly skies.</p>