Clay has been a volunteer with AFW since early 2021 with 45 flight missions to date in his Bonanza G36, in addition to 13 ground missions. He is passionate about encouraging pilots to join AFW and encouraging pilots to also drive ground legs after missions into their home airports, to provide our passengers with a more “chauffeured” experience. He looks forward to his role as the Area Leader for the Bay Area to help increase the number of AFW volunteers and their level of active participation.
While studying to be an engineer, Clay earned his private pilot license in 1984 at the Harvey Mudd College Bates Aeronautics program, which focused on the “Privilege of Flight.” This approach to, and respect for, flying instilled in Clay the foundation for using this privilege to help others, which ultimately led to Clay joining AFW.
Clay worked for 33 years as a hardware systems design engineer and director, then retired in 2019 to spend more time pursuing his passions, which include: flying, serving as scoutmaster of his son’s Scout BSA troop, remodeling his cabin, hiking, and traveling with his wife. With a more flexible schedule, he began to fly a lot more, but was looking for a way to “do good” with his flying and his time.
When he heard about Angel Flight West, he immediately signed up and started flying missions. Clay says, “I joined because I wanted to help others, but I feel that I am always getting far more back from my AFW passengers. The hardships they face and the courage they show is truly inspirational. I want every pilot and driver out there to know how rewarding these missions will be for them.”
