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BIO OF JAMES F. RIORDAN
resume | community involvement | accomplishments | author
inventions, trademarks & patents | hobbies
Builds, owns and flys his own aerobatic ultralights and experimental
aircraft. FAA licensed private pilot checked out in many different types
of planes including taildraggers, biplanes and high performance turbocharged
retractable gear aircraft. Licensed glider pilot, high performance and
aerobatic sailplanes. Ultralight Flight Instructor and Flight Instructor
Examiner (UFIE) for EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association. ) Holder of FAA
low-altitude aerobatic competency waiver for performing airshows. Teaches
aerobatics and gives many aerobatic rides per year. Also enjoys motorcycle
riding, motorhome camping, 4 wheel driving, and metal sculpture.
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Jim, Lynn and
Brett Riordan with their
Champion Citabria aerobatic plane |
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| Jim, helmet on,
ready to ride 2002 |
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Our first ultra light
off the wing of our
2nd ultra light over the Sierras |
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Jim's plane (center)
with friends at
American River |
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| Our third ultra light,
Flightstar Spyder |
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Our motor home on
the way to a
camping trip, "roughing it" |
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Our Samurai 4X4 with Machine gun,
the ultimate tow vehicle for
the motor home |
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Our V Max, 140 hp
V4, the ultimate
Sport Cruiser, had her to 152mph! |
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| Biplane wall hanging metal sculpture |
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Jim Riordan doing one
wheel landing at Placerville.
The AVID is so stable, it can
remain on one wheel for
the full length of the runway.
CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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Jim Riordan flying AVID
sideways down runway
while climbing.
Please note, that in this
photograph, the aircraft
is flying perfectly straight
down the dotted lines
on the runway.
CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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Prior years' hobbies included skydiving and freefall, Hot air ballooning,
Alpine giant slalom and NASTAR snow ski racing with 6 silver medals, 4
bronze and a 4th place finish in "McDonalds cup". In 1971, with wife Lynn,
made news as the first couple ever to ride the Barstow to Las Vegas desert
motorcycle race, riding double, on one motorcycle, passing many solo expert
riders along the way. Formerly raced 1/2 mile oval and open class motocross
as well. From 1961 to 1968 was drummer for several different top forty bands. Performed opening acts for notables such as Ike and Tina Turner, Paul Revere
& the Raiders. Won second place in Santa Clara County's "Battle of Drummers
in 1965".
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| Jim and Lynn skiing Park City Utah |
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Jim doing wheelie standing
on the seat before helmet laws 1974 |
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Jim and Lynn (in
red) preparing to take
off, 1981 |
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Jim Riordan with our 1946
Cessna 140 in 1982 |
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Jims bicycle after
hitting a car that pulled
in front of him |
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| Maico powered
Go Kart |
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_with_band_members_1967.jpg) |
Jim (drummer)
with band
members 1967 |
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Jim Riordan's first freefall,
Pope Valley, 1976 |
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Maico Kart doing wheelie.
That was sporty! Made my
eyeballs bigger than
my sunglasses |
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Jim and Lynn were the first couple to
ever attempt to ride the grueling
Barstow-to-Vegas desert motorcycle
race riding double on one bike. Stress
broke the frame in five places |
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This is how Jim Riordan
tours Yosemite by bicycle |
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resume | community involvement | accomplishments | author
inventions, trademarks & patents | hobbies
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