Getting to Know Elisa Petersen, New Newsletter Editor

Happy New Year folks! With the new year, and “Skip” retiring from the newsletter, EAA Chapter 430 needed to replace “Skip”… as it turns out, with two bodies.

The first, being the Membership Chair, I have been handed the torch of new member introductions and the “Getting to Know…” article with board and Skip’s blessing, AND the second, a new Newsletter Editor, my bright, lovely and charming wife, Elisa Petersen.

When did you move to the area and from where? My family is all from Washington State. I grew up in Seattle and moved to Lynnwood when I was 18. I met you (Erik) in 2021 and we transplanted to Sequim together in November 2022. We chose Sequim because there was some theory about ‘most VFR’ days. (Maybe we brought this cloudy weather with us?)

Are you a pilot? If yes, how long have you been a pilot and what kind of flying do you do? If no, are you working to earn your pilot cert or interested in a “pinch hitter” course? Erik, Is this a hint that you want me to enroll in the ‘pinch hitter course’? Yes? (I think that’s a hint folks.) Okay, I will check into it.

Do you have a plane? If so, tell us about your airplane(s) We own a partnership in a Cessna 172: N172 Bravo Echo. That was a special blessing from Alan Barnard connecting us with all the right people. Truly, it’s such an amazing plane. Selling the 206 when we moved here was definitely a wise choice. Fuel and maintenance has been a million times better. Also really like all of the partners in the 172.

Have you been an EAA member in another chapter? I attended some meetings with your Chapter at Harvey Field, but didn’t officially have a membership. That’s what got me hooked on how much fun the people are.

Any hobbies you have besides being an EAA member? I like to be involved in community activism and volunteering. Civic engagement is hugely important. I also love exploring nature, reading and listening to music. My favorite genre is rap and hip hop.

Your previous career (if retired) or present occupation? I worked in King County government for nearly 20 years. I spent a bit of time as an analyst for the Sheriff’s Office. Then I made a leap into hearing healthcare operations. It’s fun working from home in a room with a view.

Any other info/stories about you, your family, or aviation in general you’d like to share? When my son Cameron was younger, Rick Vaux was a Docent at the Museum of Flight. Life is remarkable. We all come together again.