DJ is the owner of Rainbow Tourism and is the publisher of Gaycation Magazine a premier LGBTQ travel magazine distributed in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and is also publisher and editor in chief of the largest LGBTQ Newspaper in the Midwest based in Indianapolis. The Word (www.thegayword.com) has been in continuous print for almost 25 years and covers 7 midwest states. DJ an experienced private pilot with over 15,000 flight hours in several aircraft types and has served with distinction in the USAF. Before PrideFlight2018 DJ and his husband Joe have lived aboard a 61' sailboat based in San Francisco where they taught themselves how to sail and manage a small ship with only 2 crew members. DJ and Joe also restored and drove a vintage motor home across the United States for almost a year meeting LGBTQ people from many communities along the way.

The Co-pilot will support the PIC (Pilot in Command) by flying the plane when the PIC needs a break from flying. The Co-Pilot will assume command if the PIC becomes incapacitated. In addition, the Co-Pilot will manage in flight communications with ATC and other aircraft and at the direction of the PIC set all navigation instruments. The Co-Pilot will also assist the PIC with flight planning/ pre-flighting the aircraft.

Allen is an innovative mechanical whiz! If it breaks he can fix it. His motto when it comes to anything mechanical is ("An ounce of prevention..."). His job is to anticipate and avoid mechanical failures on the airplane before they happen, but on the occasion that they do, he is the guy to figure out the best way to quickly , but safely get us back in the air. Additionally, Allen's role as flight engineer is to manage primary systems such a fuel flow, hydraulics and engine performance just to name a few.

This crew member will be the back-up mechanic that assists the Flight Engineer to keep the plane flying.

Joe is an accomplished travel/dining writer for Gaycation magazine and The Word Newspaper and is also a Chef in training. Joe has traveled the world exploring different destinations, cultures and attitudes and will be blogging about our flight during the mission. He will be posting photos and stories about PrideFlight2018, the destinations we visit and the people that we meet along the way.

This crew member will act as the liaison between the flight crew and the local LGBT community, organization or group at each landing point and hosting our visit.