PORT CLINTON — Local aviation enthusiast and Ford Tri-Motor historian, David Hirt gets a seat at the table with the beautiful, accomplished aviatrix and former airline captain, Julie Clark. Hirt dodges a knife, and a daredevil waitress saves his life.

David Hirt recalls his first flight to Oshkosh in a twin-engine Beechcraft with a persnickety starter. Nothing a hammer and a pocket knife couldn’t fix. But would they ever actually get there?

ALLIANCE, Oh. – A retired Civil Air Patrol Squadron commander with 20 years of service, Barber holds a commercial pilot certificate with single-and multi-engine ratings, seaplane and helicopter rating, with flight instructor privileges. Barber and his wife, Patty run Barber Airport in Alliance, Ohio. He recalls their first flight together.