Going From Tailwheels to Trade Pubs

To summarize, I am a private pilot, marketing graduate, and writer. Over the past 12 years, I’ve been fortunate to work on projects with several renowned creative agencies and aviation companies, including aircraft OEMs Piper Aircraft and Textron Aviation. Most recently, I proudly served as the editor in chief of owner-pilot-focused magazine Twin & Turbine, managing the editorial content for five years.

But my aviation experience and passion go further back than my career.

For as long as I can remember, I have been in and around GA aircraft and airports, growing up flying in the back of our family’s Beechcraft Bonanza. My father, Randy Groom, is a pilot and 40-year veteran in the business aviation industry. Aviation has always been a completely normal facet of life—though it was not originally my career path.

Interestingly, my being here today can largely be attributed to one man’s spontaneous idea and unconventional flight training methods nearly 15 years ago. Allow me to explain.

In 2010, midway through college and home for the summer break, my best friend and I decided to apply for jobs at the new airport restaurant just outside of Wichita, Kansas. I was familiar with the up-and-coming airpark, Stearman Field (1K1), as it was where my father hangared his Bonanza at the time. 

I was promptly offered the waitressing position I applied for but then came another offer that I was in no way expecting—flight lessons. Stearman Field owner and family friend Dwayne Clemens approached me with a wide grin and said, “Let’s teach you to fly in the Cub and surprise your dad.” 

Turning down such an offer would be impossible. I began flying the next week (though the “secret” only lasted four days). Fast-forward nine weeks and 42 flight hours later, and I held a private pilot’s certificate, learning in Dwayne’s personal Piper J-3 Cub and Cessna 150.

While much more could be shared around this story, I will save that for another time. But thanks to Dwayne’s spontaneity and one remarkable summer, I changed course and joined my father and older sister in the business aviation world. It’s been rewarding to take fond personal experience and translate it toward my professional pursuits the last 12 years.    

And what a momentous and idyllic time to join FLYING as the magazine approaches its 100-year anniversary. Building upon its legacy, my mission is to ensure this publication remains the premier resource for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, delivering respected expertise, fresh perspectives, and insightful editorial content.  

Thank you for your loyal readership and support as we usher in a new era.

This column first appeared in the December Issue 953 of the FLYING print edition.