A general aviation enthusiast designed a rocket to go to space. A general aviation enthusiast piloted that vehicle up and out of the atmosphere. And a general aviation enthusiast flew that spaceship back to earth, landing on the runway at a general aviation airport. The same airport where he’d parked his car after driving to work that morning.
The thrill that keeps on thrilling
What I didn’t know 36 years ago when I took to the skies for the first time is that I would still get a thrill from seeing others succeed in their own attempts to fly. Whether I sign them off myself, or simply stand on the periphery and cheer them on, each of these individuals impresses me. Their flights take me back in time to my own first attempts.
The practical applications of being a pilot
Pilots deal with emergencies differently than most non-pilots. We tend to take a more productive approach to non-emergencies as well.
A rose by any other name
It has been said that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Some guy named Shakespeare wrote that a long time ago. It’s true, though. The information the FAA has to share is exceptional. I may never understand why it refers to it in such indecipherable terms a large portion of the audience they’re trying to reach simply disregards the recommendation and moves on, no better for the experience.
Hyperbole and hokum in the air
A well-managed traffic pattern can handle a dozen aircraft or more at one time without undue risk to safety or efficiency. Plug one ego-driven pilot into that scenario and things can get really exciting, really fast.
Partnerships for prosperity
Many small GA airports are the home to a few dozen or maybe a couple hundred aircraft owners who use the facility with great affection but little beneficial impact to the public at large. That reality doesn’t bring joy to the hearts and minds of the folks who perceive their tax dollars as being wasted on grass cutting, taxiway refurbishment, or a new FBO building.
Share the gift of communication
We in the U.S. have the remarkable freedom to fly an aircraft from coast to coast in airspace that asks virtually nothing of us. We’re not required to communicate, so a disquieting number of us simply don’t.
Effort will be required
Over the course of my career as a flight instructor and aviation advocate, I can’t even count the number of people who have expressed a desire to become a pilot. Flying is cool. Undeniably so. It’s a sexy job. Being a pilot carries an element of panache that many seek, but only a few attain.
On the intersection of time and decision-making
Pilots are cool. They’re dashing. They’re commonly thought of as adventure seekers. Smarter than the average Jane or Joe on the street. And yet, they are human beings that must by dint of nature go the way of all human beings in the end.