Tom Foley
Thomas J. Foley was born and raised in California. He worked on the A-7 aircraft as a jet engine mechanic and troubleshooter for four years in the Navy. He earned his airframe and powerplant license in two years, allowing him to work on private and commercial aircraft.
From 1977 to 2011, Tom worked for the General Electric Aviation Division. He traveled extensively overseas from 1979 to 1986, working in Europe, Asia, Australia, Taiwan, and Africa, supporting various airlines as a GE field service representative. From 1987 through 2003,he worked in engineering at the GE Ontario engine overhaul facility. When the plant closed,he transferred to the GE supervisor position at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad maintenance department in Barstow, California, from where he retired in 2011.
Tom is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and a land-speed motorcycle racer. He holds five Southern California Timing Association land speed records and two American Motorcycle Association records in several engine classes with his vintage Harley Davidson. He currently lives with his wife Susan in Phelan, California, with their six dogs.
From 1977 to 2011, Tom worked for the General Electric Aviation Division. He traveled extensively overseas from 1979 to 1986, working in Europe, Asia, Australia, Taiwan, and Africa, supporting various airlines as a GE field service representative. From 1987 through 2003,he worked in engineering at the GE Ontario engine overhaul facility. When the plant closed,he transferred to the GE supervisor position at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad maintenance department in Barstow, California, from where he retired in 2011.
Tom is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and a land-speed motorcycle racer. He holds five Southern California Timing Association land speed records and two American Motorcycle Association records in several engine classes with his vintage Harley Davidson. He currently lives with his wife Susan in Phelan, California, with their six dogs.
published Book
chasing the elusive dream
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What do you want to be when you grow up? I didn’t have a clue.
Looking back, every time I thought I had a plan, everything changed. Chemistry was my kryptonite in my attempt to be a veterinarian. Losing my 2-S deferment generated a draft notice, and I elected to enlist in the Navy. My plan to join the forestry was foiled when the class I needed had a two-year waiting period. (Geez.) I spent those two years earning my airframe and powerplant license, and you guessed it, the airlines weren’t hiring. Dad told me GE was hiring jet engine mechanics. At last, my career was taking off, but they told me I couldn’t travel overseas for ten years . . . so I went looking for a better paying job at Continental Airlines. As I was settling into living at the beach, riding with my hooligan buddies on Harleys, out of the blue, I received a call, “Do you still want to go overseas?” Well, you know what I said! Why don’t you join me on an extraordinary adventure? Follow along as I troubleshoot the Navy A7s. Ride along with long-haired bearded Harley riders, and meet a cast of characters from every continent. Ever been to Europe, Asia, Australia, or Africa? Who would have thought my career would be intertwined with motorcycles and jet engines? To round things out, I’ll even throw in a story about land-speed racing at El Mirage and the Bonneville salt flats. The last place on earth you can build your race vehicle in your garage and compete against all comers (in your class). I’m still not sure what I want to be when I grow up. I believe it is mandatory to grow old but optional to grow up. Grab a beverage of your choice. Find a comfortable chair and join me as I chase an elusive dream. |
To purchase Tom Foley's book, visit: Amazon