Michael D. Piccola was born in 1930 in New York City.  He grew up on the lower east side. At the age of 9, he became interested in model airplanes and ships. In 1950, he obtained his Commercial Pilot's License, Flight & Ground Instructor Ratings.  He retired in 1999 from the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller/Instructor after 41 years of government service.

---

•  BACKGROUND INFORMATION
  Achieved Commercial Pilot's License, 1950, Spartan School of Aeronautics, obtained Ground & Flight Instructor ratings,US Army 1951-53, Obtained Single & Multi Engine Land & Sea ratings, Instrument rating,employed with FAA N.Y. Air Route Traffic Control Center 1957, at Idlewild Airport,(today, JFK Arpt)New York Center moved to present location MacArthur Airport, Islip, Long Island, NY. Retired 1980, recalled after Controllers Strike in 1981, retired again, 1999 after 41-years of government service. Was Original Founder(1974)of Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Built many dioramas for American Airpower Museum, Republic Arpt, & Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City, NY.
• ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  1970,FAA,Point with Pride Award 1970, saving a Twin Commanche directed to land at Williamsport,PA. Arpt just as engines quit. FAA Quality Performance Cert. 1971-- FAA Special Achievement Award 1974-- Teacher's License University of the State of New York, 1980-- Adelphi University, BS degree, 1981-- Plaque FAA NYARTCC Certificate of Appreciation Oct 22/23 1983-- Plaque FAA NYARTCC Conducting Air Show July 1974, Large Plaque, Certificate of Appreciation, FAA, NYARTCC, Outstanding Accomplishments in Radar Training, 1985-- Plaque,Cetificate of Appreciation,FAA Eastern Region, for Professionalism and Expertise Safety in the Skys, 1986. Original Founder of USS Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in NYC, which became a National Monument.