Dave Nelson

Saint James City, Florida

Dave's fascination with all things aviation started at a very young age. He started taking flying lessons at 14, earned his certificate at 17, and started work on his first airplane, a VariEze, immediately after college. He fit airplane building in with his career as a microelectronics engineer and engineering manager, completing the VariEze, a Velocity, and helping out on several Cozies and multiple other airplanes. His most recent completion is a refurbished Long-EZ — he's got fiberglass in his blood! Dave, EAA 244892, has been the president of his local chapter (100), a flight advisor, a founding member and president of Aviation Pathways (a local aviation charity), and a decades-long Young Eagles pilot. He spends his time between Rochester, Minnesota, and St. James City, Florida.