The Pilot
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jim joined the Canadian Forces after high school as an infantry Soldier in the Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry in 1983. He served as a Rifleman, Section Commander, and then Acting Platoon Sergeant while earning his Private, through commercial flying licences, seaplane and aerobatic flying endorsements in his spare time. He reclassified to the Air Force as a pilot in 1989.
Upon Wings graduation he was selected as an Instructor pilot on the Ct-114 Tutor, in Moose Jaw followed by three consecutive flying tours in various communities. He flew Twin Otters with 440 Sqn in Yellowknife supporting the Canadian Rangers in the High Artic as well as carrying out search and rescue missions. He then went to fly T-33s as a fighter combat support pilot in Cold Lake with 417 squadron. After the retirement of the T-33 he returned to Moose Jaw to teach ab initio Instructors on the CF's latest trainer - the Harvard Mark 2.
After nearly 22 years service to Canada Jim retired in 2005 to go on to the fly with British Aerospace as contract Flying Instructor - teaching the Royal Saudi Air Force how to fly on Pilatus Pc-9s.
2004 Canadian National Aerobatic Champion
Beginning his Air Show career in 2000 with a Pitts Special - Jim has flown over 50 shows across Canada amassing nearly 7000 hours in military and civilian flying. He was the Canadian National Intermediate Aerobatic Champion in 2004.
He now calls Bassano his home and returns for the 2009 season with a 1952 Mark 4 Harvard Trainer, painted in original Air Force colours and markings. He hopes to fly Airlines while continuing to fly Air shows and is currently applying as a pilot for Westjet.
Jim's passion for flight belies an underlying passion for life. Among his many other interests he includes:
- Float Flying
- Glacier Flying
- Mountain Climbing
- Snowboarding
If there is adventure to be had, Jim is all in!
See Gallery for more photos