It is often said that aviation is a bug… once you get it, there is no cure. Of course those of us who have been bitten by this particular bug do not really mind and bear the consequences happily. The momentum often takes us further down the well trodden path even after retirement… A lucky few will however finally have the time to realize projects, even dreams that had to take second place while they were fully committed to aviation’s demands.
One of those lucky individuals is Mike Russo. Mike retired from ARINC after a life-time of engineering work that demanded as much knowledge of and sensitivity for the human aspects of aviation as it did for radars and other electronic wizardry.
He moved to Florida and loves it there, not least because of the weather. While temperatures can and do drop below freezing even in the Sunshine State, there is no snow and the cold spells tend to be short lived.
Mike’s particular dream has been to work with horses and he is now realizing this with dedication. He is practicing the Parelli technique of natural horsemanship. If you are interested, check out Pat Parelli’s videos here. But more to the point, click here to watch a Clint Anderson demo of what Mike is up to with his horses.
Their buckskin mare gave birth to a filly in September last year and it was absolutely wonderful to watch her grow and in time to work with her. She has quickly learned tricks like lead (follow Mike), come to him, stop, back up and stay tied to a post. Right now Mike is working on teaching her to walk between himself and a fence, a frightening proposition for a horse. Being able to do all these things is exceptional for a four months old horse. But she will not be staying with Mike long, they are selling her back to the man from whom her mother came originally.
Mike has left his mark on many a thing in aviation we take for granted to-day and it seems he is applying his skills to his horses now with equal success. A dream being realized following a dream career.
Well done Mike!
You can read an interview with Mike made soon after his retirement here.