Robert Gardner began his flying career in Alaska in 1960 while in the U.S. Coast Guard. By 1966, Bob earned his Private Land and Sea, Commercial, Instrument, Instructor, CFII and MEL. Over the next 16 years, he was an instructor, charter pilot, designated examiner, corporate and freight captain, and director of ASA Ground Schools.

Bob held an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Land ratings; a CFI certificate with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings; and a Ground Instructor's Certificate with advanced and Instrument ratings. In addition, Bob was a Gold Seal Flight Instructor and was recognized as a Flight Instructor of the Year in Washington State. To top off this impressive list of accomplishments, Bob was also a well-known author, journalist, airshow lecturer and long-admired member of the aviation community.