The Extraordinary Life of a Privileged Upbringing

Growing up in a gated fly-in community with a fully functioning airport, the author's childhood was anything but ordinary. With a successful chemical engineer/manufacturer and private pilot for a father, the author had access to a world of luxury and adventure that most could only dream of. From classic car restoration to private jet travel, this personal account offers a rare glimpse into the life of a true high-flyer.

Soaring Above the Ordinary

A Childhood in the Clouds

The author's childhood was a far cry from the typical suburban upbringing. Nestled within a gated fly-in community, the family home boasted not only a garage full of everyday vehicles, but also an airplane hangar brimming with classic cars, World War II-era "warbirds," and the modern twin-engine planes the author's father used for business travel. This unique setting fostered a sense of adventure and a deep appreciation for the finer things in life from a young age.The author's father, a successful chemical engineer and manufacturer, had a passion for aviation that extended beyond his professional pursuits. He was an avid private pilot, and the family frequently took "extemporaneous vacations" to their properties in Nantucket and St. Maarten, traveling in the comfort of their own aircraft. This lifestyle of luxury and freedom was a far cry from the realities experienced by the author's childhood friends.

A Rude Awakening

One day, the author's eyes were opened to the stark contrast between their privileged existence and the more modest lives of their peers. Invited to a friend's house, the author was struck by the small size of the home and the absence of an airplane hangar, a stark reminder that "not everyone has the same things that we have." This realization, shared with the author's mother, marked a pivotal moment in their understanding of the world beyond their gated community.

Rubbing Shoulders with the Stars

The author's upbringing was further elevated by the occasional visits from none other than John Travolta, who would stop by the family's hangar to "shoot the shit" with the author's father. This brush with celebrity added an extra layer of excitement and exclusivity to the author's already extraordinary childhood, solidifying their position in a world that most could only imagine.

A Lifetime of Luxury and Adventure

The author's formative years were a testament to the privileges afforded by wealth and status. From the private airplanes and classic car collection to the lavish properties and celebrity connections, the author's childhood was a far cry from the experiences of their peers. This unique upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for the finer things in life, while also providing a stark contrast to the realities faced by those outside the author's gated community.As the author reflects on their extraordinary childhood, it becomes clear that their life was anything but ordinary. The author's story serves as a fascinating glimpse into the rarefied world of the privileged few, a world that most can only dream of experiencing firsthand.