Brian Nicklas is a life-long enthusiast of aviation and studied Aeronautical Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. As a writer and photographer, he has been published in several newspapers, magazines and calendars, and has written for aviation websites. Since 1987, he has been a member of the Archives Division of the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum. He lives near Washington DC.