Ens. Kaehler was fascinated by aviation from an early age, watching operations at a local small airport and seeing military aircraft at air shows. His first flight was in a biplane operated by a family friend. In his personal statement he said, "From a young age the idea of flight has fascinated me beyond bounds, and it seems almost too good to be true that I can experience this as a part of a deeper commitment to the country which has given me so much." He flew with Joe Gano in June 2010, and Joe reported that Michael "flew twice, pulled 7 G, and left totally amped up for fighters."