Mario Rosales

Hello there! My name is Mariano Rosales but everyone calls me Mario. I am 26 years old and live near Chicago, IL. In January of 2007, I started my new career as an Air Traffic Controller at the Chicago En-Route Air Traffic Control Center in Aurora, IL. Currently I'm a Developmental, leaning all the airspace maps, operating procedures, and getting checked out on one radar position at a time. After all of my training is done (about 2-3 years) I'll reach the level of Certified Professional Controller (and I can't wait!). I became a Young Eagle when I was 16 years old attending the EAA Air Academy. In 1999 I joined the staff of the Air Academy and stayed until the summer of 2004. At the same time I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida where I studied Air Traffic Management with a minor in Flight. While at ERAU I also competed in IAC aerobatics flying a Pitts S-2B with the ERAU Sport Aviation Club. Currently I hold an Instrument Single/Multi Commercial Airplane and Commercial Glider license. I have about 600 flight hours but I primarily like to fly for fun. To date I have flown 123 Young Eagles and am always willing to fly more. My goal one day is to build and fly my own airplane on my own private airport. Photography is also another big interest of mine, especially aviation photography. My work can be seen in magazines, journals, calendars, posters, websites, and more. Taking pictures is a lot of fun, and when it involves another subject matter you love (like airplanes) its just that much more enjoyable.