And he's never been able to stop thinking about planes since.
So much so that the Norton native has made the sport of aerobatics his life.
He flies at air shows and competitions almost every weekend during the summer.
When he's not flying, Holland teaches aerobatics at Aerial Advantage Aviation - a school he owns in Nashua, N.H.
"I think the big strength I have is it's all I do," Holland explained. "It's not just a hobby. I'm always in an airplane - I'm just always doing it."
Holland's long hours in the air have made him one of the best aerobatic pilots in the U.S. and the world.
The two-time U.S. team member recently finished second at the 7th Advanced World Aerobatic Championships in Radom, Poland.
He was one of 63 pilots at the competition. Alexander Kurylev, a Russian, captured first place.
"It's always been a goal just to go as far with this as I can," said Holland, a 1992 Coyle-Cassidy graduate. "I didn't know I'd become second in the world, though."
Aerobatics may not get as much publicity as football, baseball and basketball, but it has a large fan base.
Last year, nearly 18 million people attended air shows in the U.S.
The only other sport that attracted more people was baseball.
"There is some interest in it," said Holland while driving home Saturday from an air show in Lancaster, Pa., adding: "My major goal is to keep doing air shows and competitions and hopefully, I can get a sponsor."
Flying plans upside down may frighten a lot of people, but not Holland.
He's always been intrigued with the art of aerobatics.
"As far as flying goes, I can't remember a time when I didn't want to fly," Holland explained.
At Coyle-Cassidy, Holland played soccer and ran track, but never lost his passion for flying.
"I did other things and sports in high school," he said. "But I had model airplanes in my room. It was always on my mind."
As soon as Holland was old enough, he began taking classes at Daniel Webster College, then graduated in 1997 with a B.S. in Aviation Management and a B.S. in Aviation Flight Operations.
Since he turned 18, Holland has accumulated more than 7,000 hours in over 135 types of aircraft.
He also has over 5,000 hours of tailwheel time and more than 3,000 hours teaching aerobatics to students.
Becoming a top aerobatics pilot has become Holland's reality.
Sports Editor Laurie Los
can be reached at (508) 880-9000, ext. 29, and at llos@tauntongazette.com.
