Ellis has been involved in aviation since he obtained his pilots license at age 17 at the 7-Bar Airport (current location of the Cottonwood Mall on the west side of Albuquerque). He received his Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic license from Eastern New Mexico University in 1973. The Navy had him as an Air Traffic Controller from 1974-1977 where he served aboard the USS CORAL SEA and Whitby Island Naval Air Station. While in the Navy he gained certification as a Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor. From 1978-1980 he trained pilots in Albuquerque. The FAA hired him as an Enroute Air Traffic Control Specialist from 1980-2003. He now works part time for New Mexico State University piloting unmanned aircraft. Also, he trains future missionary pilots. He has over 2,200 hours of flight time and serves as Chief Pilot and Aviation Director for Better Together. It has always been Ellis's dream to use his flying abilities to serve the Lord.
Ellis has been known to say, "God is able to do exceedinly, abundantly above all we ask or think"
