Reisman's first experience with aviation coincided with his first experience on a ship, at 4 and a half years old. It was a dependents cruise that was possible because the "Ticonderoga" was headed to Bremerton for repairs after her last deployment.

His most vivid memories were the french toast in the officers mess, the steep stairs, gunnery practice and watching them shoot Corsairs and Phantoms from the steam catapults. His dad had to pick him up to see over the edge of the deck from the starboard catwalk. It was the most exhilarating thing, to watch a jet go from zero to flight in less than 3 seconds!

On September 6th, from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, the ship steamed south to the homeport in San Diego so "Tico" and her crew could resume operations. Reisman's love for aviation had begun.

Like so many other kids, he always had airplanes hanging from his ceiling. Building and often crashing balsa model aircraft became an avid hobby... and he dreamed of someday becoming a pilot.

Through all the twists and turns, it was not until the spring of 1992 that he finally got his chance. While working at a recording studio in Burbank he was about half hour from Van Nuys airport, and signed up for flight school...