A Bit About the Webmaster

   My Blog  •  My Personal Family Website

So who the heck am I anyway? To tell you the truth, I'm no more than an average aviation junkie. Have no clue what that means? You must not be a pilot!

My name's Josh Shields, and I am a professional pilot, who takes great pleasure in sharing my love of aviation with others. I have a love of life that I hope others around me find invigorating, the capability of finding the upside in just about any situation, and I'm certainly not afraid of meeting new people, seeing new things, or having a bit of fun and mischief here and there! (In case you couldn't figure that out from the various goofy pictures around this site...)

I graduated from the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, one of the colleges at the University of North Dakota, in May 2000. The school is one of the best in the country for aviation training.  If you are a future airline pilot in search of a place to learn how to fly and get a four year degree, UND is THE school to be! (Don't worry the winters aren't that long... you can still sunbathe two months out of the year...) 

From the end of 2000 until May 2005, I flew the Canadair Regional Jet for Independence Air, a low cost carrier based out of Washington, DC.  (The airline was formerly know as Atlantic Coast Airlines and flew as United Express and Delta Connection. Unfortunately, the increasing price of fuel had meant rough times for the airline industry, and as the old adage goes: "You're not a true airline pilot until you've been furloughed and on strike." Well- at least I have the first half down... (Like I said- I can always be the optimist!) I wasn't unemployed... I'm just on an extended hiatus. Call it a period "self-growth," and I can honestly say that the time spent slacking off and job searching was quite relaxing and enjoyable. I even found some time to learn about furniture repair and restoration, and to revamp this site!

Fortunately, I was able to land the "perfect job" in August. It combines the best of slacking with the best of flying... I currently work for the Carter Machinery Company in Roanoke, VA. I was hired as one of the company's corporate pilots (there are two of us), and I currently fly the Cessna Citation Encore.

Believe it or not, I have an even bigger love in my life than aviation- my wife Kirsten! She's been wonderfully supportive through this whole experience, and I know that we can handle whatever gets thrown our way. I can honestly say that she's my best friend and confident, and I enjoy sharing my journey through life with her. (If you're really interested in more about us, check out the other half of this website, our personal pages: http://family.crosswindlanding.com. If you really want to see how crazy we can get, check out our wedding pictures (once I get around to getting them online...)

Aside from flying, we enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, barbequing, and enjoying time socializing with friends. I haven't decided what my next adventure will be (right now finding employment ranks near the top of the list) but, scuba diving or skydiving both seem like the could have potential!

I'm always game to meet new people and answer questions for any pilots or otherwise wannabe aviators... so feel free to drop me a line at anytime! Or if you want, drop by the blog that I also keep on myspace.com!