Strange as it seems with many millions jobless today, it wasn’t so long ago that theorists pondered what Americans would do with all their free time. The idea played its part in the 1970s transition of at least one pioneering... Continue Reading →
My dinner with Henry
Posted on January 22nd, 2012 by Drew Steketee
“My Dinner with Andre” was the movie where two actors do little but talk over a meal (seemingly forever) about the meaning of life. I’m saying very few goodbyes to industry friends here before leaving D.C., but couldn’t miss comparing... Continue Reading →
A great little airplane, now becoming rarer
Posted on January 17th, 2012 by Drew Steketee
This story began as fall sunlight kissed the grass at The Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealelton, Virginia, some 50 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The surprise was two Aeronca L-16s among the show’s Stearman and WACO “heavy-iron.” There were even... Continue Reading →
Meigs Field: Still a pyrrhic sacrifice to ‘good intentions’
Posted on December 7th, 2011 by Drew Steketee
With last month’s passing of Maggie Daley, Chicago’s former first lady, from power, political blogger Greg Hinz reflected on stillborn plans to turn Meigs Field, the city’s former lakefront GA airport, into a major city park. Years later: Nothing –... Continue Reading →
The NRA of the Air
Posted on November 30th, 2011 by Drew Steketee
Chris Dancy, talented media relations staffer at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), recently moved on to the Helicopter Association International. This prompts some reflection on GA’s relations with the media. AOPA is a good exemplar for this, having... Continue Reading →
Turbulent times
Posted on November 7th, 2011 by Drew Steketee
“Occupy Wall Street” protests have made news, raised questions, and recently generated violence. They recall MY generation’s turbulent college years when politics and values took a sharp turn. During the era of “sex, drugs and Rock ‘n Roll,” I wondered... Continue Reading →
It’s a new world
Posted on October 5th, 2011 by Drew Steketee
I’ve always believed that much of General Aviation’s success in our time is a legacy of World War II. Aviation was a hero, if not “the” hero, of the war. Pilots were idolized. And everyone saw a bright future and... Continue Reading →
A road not taken
Posted on September 19th, 2011 by Drew Steketee
My pre-move house cleaning has yielded another aviation memory: A 1972 letter from the old Monmouth Airlines. It offered an answer to every young hopeful’s need for multi-engine and turbine time — very expensive but necessary stepping stones to pro... Continue Reading →
Aboard Flight 93: GA’s man on 9/11
Posted on September 12th, 2011 by Drew Steketee
I have the feeling that few GA pilots know “one of ours” was up there on United Flight 93, capable of bringing that 757 back had passengers overcome cockpit hijackers. He was a college classmate of mine. Donald Freeman Greene... Continue Reading →
Why can’t GA be more like renting a car? Once, it was…
Posted on September 5th, 2011 by Drew Steketee
Debates about GA’s practicality are weighty, sometimes bitter, discussions I think often miss the point. But one of the best deals I ever found was “Hertz-like” plane rental at Lease-A-Plane. It opened up lots of possibilities. Continue Reading →
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