Jason R. Fortenbacher
Join me on this journey
About Fight to Fly Studio
My Mission
My name is Jason R. Fortenbacher. At Fight to Fly Studio, I strive to ignite a passion for aviation by sharing the beauty, wonder, and adventure of flight with the world. Through stunning photography, immersive virtual tours, and meticulously designed 3D-printed models, my goal is to inspire others to pursue their own aviation dreams—whether that means flying, building, fixing, or simply appreciating flight from the ground.
My Story
Aviation isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. From the earliest memory of building an F/A-18 model on the living room floor with my dad, to the look on my mom's face after I came home from my first solo to earning my private pilot certificate as a teenager, to finding new ways to stay connected to flight through photography and aerospace engineering—aviation has always been the heartbeat of my life.
Through every challenge, detour, and triumph, I have fought to keep aviation a part of my story. I joke that my camera has logged more flight hours than my pilot certificate, but it's true—photography has opened doors to experiences I could have only dreamed of. From coordinating air-to-air photo missions with WWII warbirds to capturing helicopters working search-and-rescue missions, my lens has allowed me to soar in ways I never imagined. And now, with 3D printing and design, I get to create tangible pieces of aviation history for others to hold in their hands, allowing enthusiasts to connect with the aircraft they love on a whole new level.
At Fight to Fly Studio, this journey is about more than just personal milestones. It’s about staying connected to the aviation family—the pilots, mechanics, engineers, and enthusiasts who share the same spark for flight. Whether someone is flying, fixing, designing, or simply enjoying the beauty of aviation, there’s a place for them in this incredible community. We believe that anyone, no matter where they are on their journey, can find a way to be part of this amazing world.
What I Offer
Photography & Videography:
- Air-to-air and ground photography for aircraft owners, operators, and aviation events
- Virtual tours of aircraft collections and aviation-related spaces
- Aviation photography prints and merchandise
3D Printed Creations:
- Downloadable aircraft model kits and aviation-themed 3D models
- Custom-designed coasters, keychains, and shadowboxes
- Commissioned designs for personal or business use
Aviation Community Engagement:
- Stories, photos, and videos to inspire future generations of aviation enthusiasts
- Opportunities to collaborate with museums, airshows, and aircraft collections
- A welcoming space for everyone who loves aviation, in whatever way they connect with it
Gratitude for the People Who Helped Me Along the Way
Though I operate Fight to Fly Studio as a one-person business, I couldn’t have achieved any of this alone. My parents gave me their blessing to pursue flying from a young age. My aunt not only taught me about Microsoft Flight Simulator but also how to use a camera—skills that have served me throughout my life. My sister took me to airshows, where I first fell in love with aviation photography. My brother cheered me on along the way. And my wife has always encouraged me to chase my dreams and keep flying, no matter how hard it got. In fact, the more stressed I become, the more she urges me to get out and go fly.
I’m also deeply grateful to my friends in the aviation photography community—people like James Polivka, Anthony Richards, Bernardo Malfitano, and Jeff Cook—who have been by my side at countless airshows and helped create some truly unforgettable photo opportunities and friendship.
Most importantly, I want to thank my thousands of fans and subscribers. Your support on social media, your comments, and your encouragement keep me motivated to continue sharing the magic of flight with the world.
Why “Fight to Fly”?
The name Fight to Fly reflects my life’s journey—the relentless pursuit to stay connected to aviation, even when life made it hard. Inspired by the Navy Fighter Weapons School’s slogan, “Fight to Fly. Fly to Fight. Fight to Win,” my personal version—“Fight to Fly. Fly to Live. Live to Inspire”—captures my story and the values that drive me.
Though I may not fly every day, I remain deeply connected to aviation. My current work in aerospace engineering allows me to contribute to the future of flight, while my photography and 3D-printed designs keep me immersed in the community I love.
Every photo I take, every model I design, and every collaboration I engage in reflects this ongoing story. Flying may have taken different forms for me, but the passion is still there—and I continue to fight for it.
Fight to Fly
"Fight to Fly" comes from a place of persistence and passion—pushing through obstacles, challenges, and setbacks to make flight a part of my life. It’s about those moments when, no matter how daunting the path might seem, you push forward, motivated by a love of aviation. From flight training to building relationships in the aviation community, this journey hasn't always been easy, but it’s been worth every struggle.
Fly to Live
"Fly to live" is about more than just flying. It’s the pure joy, excitement, and exhilaration that comes the moment the wheels leave the ground—that transition from the rough, bumpy ride of the runway to the smooth sensation of being lifted by wings or rotors, moving freely in all three dimensions. For me, my favorite aircraft to fly has always been the Aeronca Champ. It’s beautifully simple—no electrical system, just pure stick-and-rudder flying—a time capsule to early aviation and a reminder of how flight used to be.
But flying isn’t just about simplicity. Some of my most memorable experiences come from flying with the UH-1H Huey, documenting Search and Rescue training missions. This iconic aircraft carries a legacy of history and heroism, and I’ve been honored to capture its story. There’s nothing quite like being hoisted up and down from the helicopter, with the team watching closely, braving snow, ice, and scorching heat to train for the moments that could save lives.
Live to Inspire
"Live to inspire" captures the heart of my mission. Throughout my journey, all I’ve wanted is to show others that it can be done—that dreams are within reach. But it’s not always a straight path, and the goal you started with doesn’t have to be the one you end up with. We grow, our goals shift, and our resources change, but it’s the journey that counts, not the destination. My opportunities came because I never said no to trying something new. The key is to use good judgment, make smart decisions, and always think through your actions—but don’t let fear of the unknown be the thing that holds you back. The world is full of possibilities if you’re open to them.
Join Me on This Journey
At Fight to Fly Studio, I hope to inspire others to discover the joy of flight, in whatever way it calls to them. Whether you’re a pilot, an engineer, a photographer, or just someone who loves the sound of a jet passing overhead, there’s a place for you here.
Thank you for being part of my journey. I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
This version maintains the personal, authentic tone while showing appreciation for the people who supported you. It will help build a deeper connection with your audience by sharing not only what you do but also who you are and how much their support means to you.