My life-long vocation is/was Aviation, where I worked for 40+ years as a professional pilot for numerous airlines & corporations. Occasionally I act as Pilot-In-Command of my 2005, 38', Allegro Bay (Class A) Motor Coach.

I retired on April 15, 2008, from the Federal Aviation Administration after 21 years of Government Service as an Aviation Safety Inspector - Operations, based at the Orlando Flight Standards District Office, Orlando, FL. After retiring, my wife and I hit the road and are enjoying life to its fullest. We've been on-the-road as full-timers for 56 months. In 2011 alone we drove a total of 25,000 miles throughout the U.S., 10,000 on the RV and an additional 15,000 miles on the tow vehicle. In my view, there's nothing quite as enjoyable as living the RV lifestyle! Recently we threw out the anchor due to high fuel and maintenance costs associated with RVing and bought a summer home in Lewistown, PA, my place of birth. I'll spend most summers in that location and travel occasionally until fuel costs decrease to an acceptable level.

I became a HAM as a no-code Technician back in 1995. In 1996, I passed the 5 wpm Morse code element, earning Technician + privileges. In 1998, I passed the General Class written and 13 wpm Morse code element, earning General Class privileges. On August 11, 2000, thanks to FCC Amateur License Restructuring, I earned Amateur Extra Class privileges. No more tests for me!

My Pennsylvania fixed base station consists of an Icom 706MkIIg & Icom 728 - 100w barefoot rig(s) transmitting into a Cushcraft R7000 multi-band vertical (10m through 40m) antenna, and a High Sierra Screwdriver antenna used primarily for 80m. In November of each year, I return to Central FL for the winter. While there I operate mobile from my Allegro Bay Motor Coach. It's equipped with an Icom 706MKIIg, 100w barefoot, all-band rig transmitting into a High Sierra Screwdriver antenna (see attached picture). My tow vehicle is a 2006 Saturn VUE equipped with Icom 207H dual-band mobile rig transmitting into a dual-band mag-mount antenna.

I monitor the VHF National Call Frequency (146.520 Mhz - simplex) when I'm on the road. If you see me on the highway, give me a call - I'll probably be monitoring. My call sign is displayed on the rear of my coach and automobile.

I enjoy PSK-31 and it's my favorite emission type; I'm quite proficient at it since doing it for 14 years. My PSK-31 software of choice is HRD + DM780. If you operate PSK-31, you're likely to see me on your waterfall during the late afternoon on 15m, 20m, or 30m, and most evenings on 40m or 80m.

All QSO's are confirmed using www.eQSL.cc (only). NOTE: I don't respond to any other method of QSL exchange!

73 - Bill