As the military aviation historian at the Flying Heritage Collection I get up close to some of the rarest airplanes in the world, hear stories from the pilots that flew the planes in World War II and watch a team of mechanics who maintain the craft in immaculate, flying condition.

Now the staff and I would like to invite you to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Collection that rarely is seen by the public in a new section called Under the Cowl. We hope you'll check back often for reports and photographs.

A little about me: I've lived in the Northwest my entire life. Growing up in Tacoma, my house was right under the flight path for McChord Air Force Base. Day and night, I'd see a seemingly endless stream of Lockheed C-141 cargo planes headed for the runways on the other side of Commencement Bay.

I graduated from the University of Oregon and soon after went to work for the Museum of Flight in Seattle. I did writing and research for exhibits and later was put in charge of creating and installing large exhibits including The Boeing Story, Wings Over Hollywood, and 747.

Perhaps the most complex and rewarding project I helped lead was the World War I Gallery in The Museum of Flight's Personal Courage Wing. The sprawling layout covered 25,000 square feet and contained 18 aircraft. As well, there were extensive scenes to illustrate the era, such as a damaged French farmhouse and a curving piece of trench.

I'm also an author. My first book, Shot to Hell, contains stories and photos of battle-ravaged Army aircraft. The sequel, Clear the Deck!, takes on the Navy side of the story. I've also written Strike and Return; a book about the aviation activities surrounding Iwo Jima in the final year of World War II, P-47 Thunderbolt at War, and a history of Boeing Field. My sixth book, F6F Hellcat at War, is due to be released in 2009.

I was hired by the Flying Heritage Collection in September. I track and log FHC's collections from the aircraft to our archives of printed material, military uniforms and other historic items. I also work on exhibits and create histories of the institution's aircraft.

It's a fascinating job. Check back soon to see photos and the inside story of the latest exhibits at the Flying Heritage Collection under In the Hangar.