Influenced by my father, a fearless adventurer, I was raised with the mind set that anything was possible. I never questioned whether or not I could accomplish a goal, I simply needed to choose which goals I wanted to pursue and do so with full commitment.
I began exploring the land by solo back-packing for a week at a time in the high sierras. Next was snow skiing and ski racing in slalom and giant slalom, followed by scuba diving in 1982 which I expanded to include shooting and digitally editing underwater video. I began flying in 1984 while co-owning a graphic design firm. We specialized in corporate identity and marketing including the creation of promotional materials such as product packaging, brochures, advertising campaigns, etc. I truly enjoy marketing and am somewhat of a computer geek, as technology is the vehicle that has allowed me to attain the freedom of travel which I enjoy today.
The Passion for Flying
Having lost my mother at the age of 10, my father was my primary adult influence. Both my Father and half-brother were pilots. Although both had stopped flying before I began my flight lessons,, their talk of flying inspired me. So learning to fly was not a matter of if, it was more a question of when.
My father flew and owned several aircraft including Stearmans, Stinsons, a T-6, a Buhl Pup (shown left) nd Ryan PT-22's which he called “Maytag Messerschmitts”. During WWII, he gave primary training to women who later became WASP.
My brother satisfied his passion for flying by becoming a pilot in the Utah Air Guard. He retired from the guard as a lieutenant colonel and flew everything from B-25’s to KC135 Air Tankers and fighter jets. He too had exciting tales of flying around the world in Air Tankers and various military aircraft.
After I acquired my license, I would fly my Father to airshows and he would tell me stories about flying in “the old days”. He was amazed at today's avionics (GPS and moving maps) compared to the simplicity of his needle, ball and airspeed cockpit.
Ski Racing was the impetus to becoming a pilot. My father was an avid snow skier and one of the founders of the Grindelwald Ski Club, one of the oldest ski clubs in Los Angeles. He hand carved his first pair of skis in a wood working class and was one of the first members of the Ski Patrol in Southern California. As a ski instructor, he taught me to ski and encouraged racing since he knew that racing was an excellent way to hone the skill is skiing in control. He actually raced until he was 75 (pictured right) and then quit because he wrapped his leg around a gate breaking it in three places. He continued skiing into his 80's but wisely quit racing.
Opening Day - Squaw Valley
Lake Tahoe, California
My Father Ski-Racing
at 75 Years Young
I grew to love ski racing often placing in the top three in the women's expert class (Rokka League) at Mammoth Mountain. While waiting for my turn to run a slalom course, the racer behind me mentioned that he built experimental airplanes. I had never heard of an “experimental” airplane. I must admit that the combination of the two words “experimental and airplane” gave me a nanosecond of concern.
But when he offered me a ride, I jumped at the opportunity.His plane was a Rutan designed Long Easy. I eyed his little machine, which looked like something out of a Starwars movie, and hopped into my seat. Once airborne, he let me take the stick and feel the sensation of piloting my own aircraft. To this day, I highly prefer a stick to a yolk. He did some rolls and loops which I absolutely loved. (I later found out that I was his first aerobatic passenger. He probably figured that at 97 pounds, I was a good guinea pig). Looking out of the Long Easy's clear canopy, I felt like a bird and was instantly hooked. The following week I signed up for ground school at UCLA and was soon flying a 152 (which I found to be quite BORING compared to my friends little pocket rocket Long Easy). While taking lessons, I was often teased about the big pillows that I brought to the airport which enabled me to see over the panel and reach the rudder pedals. Pilots would teasingly ask, “Ramona, are you going to FLY or take a nap?” I still have a soft spot in my heart for the Long EZ and have great admiration for Burt Rutan's and his revolutionary designs.
That first flight was 18+ years ago. Since then, I have been fortunate to enjoy may types of flying including formation flying in a T-34 Mentor. Although I loved formation flying, the hauling capabilities of the Cessna Stationaire TU-206 which I now fly fits my adventure needs. I may be packing watersikis, snow-skis, one or two bikes, a kayak, fishing gear, a condo-sized tent, inflatable bed, and lots of camping gear. It is the perfect airplane for air-camping of which I have explored many back-country airstrips throughout the western US. Using mobile technology, I am able to run my internet company and virtual office seamlessly from remote locations.
I've also enjoyed the adventure of flying (as a passenger) in a small turbine powered aircraft to various countries including the entire Caribbean Chain and over the atlantic to Greenland, Iceland, Ireland and London. Watching icebergs the size of a football field float by at an altitude much lower than an airliner is an amazing experience.
Currently, I split my time between my California beach place, various travels and my personal jungle retreat located on the coastal jungle of Mexico. I love open air palapa style living where there is little differentiation between indoors and outdoors. Butterflies cruise through the livingroom, geckos climb the walls and a friendly squirrel performs acrobatics on the palapa ceiling. I have a direct view of the stars from my hanging bed and the sound of the waves lulls me to sleep. I had always dreamed of having a place such as this and recently made it a reality. When not enjoying it, I plan to rent it complete with kayaks and various ocean toys. If you're interested, email me and I will let you know when it is available for rent.
