Jim, and his hobbies, featured on explore Minnesota.
Basically, I have been involved in model aviation since I was very young. My dad won his first hours of flying lessons building a Piper Cub model and was by far my biggest influence in model aviation as well as full scale aviation. AMA number is 84745.
Model aviation has had a big influence on my career as an Aerospace Engineer. I built human powered aircraft early in my career, I spent 30 years as a FAA designated engineer in aircraft structures, many years in engineering leadership positions with a few airlines (American Eagle, Southwest and AirTran, which is now part of Southwest), a few years designing unmanned aircraft and VP of engineering at two aircraft manufacturers, which is where I am today. I am currently the VP of engineering at Cirrus Aircraft.
Jim Alman AMA#84745
A great example of how model aviation can lead to a career in aviation.