Eric became a licensed pilot 30 years ago and wanted a more challenging way to be involved with aviation – he chose soaring. Piloting a sailplane combines the skills of a sailboat captain, an aerobatic aircraft pilot, and a racing strategist.
Eric rarely soars for fun – he wants the challenge of traveling hundreds of miles without an engine. Flying silently for hours, enjoying the scenery, traveling to a pre-determined location and returning is ultimately satisfying for Eric. He’s even flown in formation with Bald Eagles, who view his silent aircraft as more of a kindred hunter than a threat.
While soaring is a solitary sport, Eric knows he needs volunteers and a crew to make each flight happen. This allows him to be independent and self-sufficient, but also work well in a team setting. Eric also applies his creative outlet to work by being able to excel at mastering how things work with a keen attention to detail and tactics while problem solving, and to be successful with his team's strategy in competition.