Two of the main alphabet organizations focused on general aviation include the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). They both offer something of real value to each of us who works or recreates in the realm of general aviation. Let’s face it, it’s a tough market out there these days […]
AirVenture’s international flavor
OSHKOSH — While riding the tram back to show center from the seaplane parking area, I met Graham. He was interested in taking a seat in my row, yet I was unwilling to give up the outside seat, because I was taking photos of the people and airplanes on Wittman Regional Airport as the tram […]
Reflections of an AirVenture refugee
The truth is simple, and weird. I am a refugee. Not by force, or circumstance, or because I am caught between two warring factions that are sworn to smite me should I show my face. No, it’s nothing so dramatic as that. I am a refugee by choice, as are thousands of others who are […]
Roughing it, en masse
I was a very experienced camper when I was a kid. That’s not so much because I was a naturally adventurous youngster. The Boy Scouts showed me how to camp, explore, and make it back safely. I lived in New England then, and I have fond memories of waking up in a toasty warm sleeping […]
Standing tall in the face of opposition
Let’s be totally honest for a moment. Airplanes crash now and then. They ditch, make emergency landings, have system failures and, once in a while, one of them catches on fire. That’s all true. It’s also exceedingly rare. We need to be truthful and willing to speak on that topic. Because we can tell the […]
Let’s focus on the words, not the man
On June 29, President Obama gave the aviation industry a great gift. It may not appear to be a beautifully wrapped present with a bright, tidy bow on top. But it is. Some of us will recognize this opportunity for what it is. Others will not. That’s human nature. Some of us focus on the […]
Seaplane Pilots Association names executive director
The Seaplane Pilots Association, a non-profit organization based in Lakeland, Florida, has concluded an exhaustive search for a new executive director to replace Dr. James McManus, who recently stepped down from the position, with the appointment of Steve McCaughey to the position. McCaughey is an outgoing, enthusiastic, and highly charismatic individual who has his sights […]
Bring in the dignitaries
Last Thursday I spent a good portion of the afternoon at Lakeland Linder Airport (LAL) in Lakeland, Florida. Many GAN readers have visited Lakeland at some point, I’m sure. This is the site of Sun n’ Fun, the second largest aviation gathering in North America. For almost 40 years the general aviation community has been […]
The potential of STEM for GA
General aviators are the minority when compared to society as a whole. We are an aberration. However, we have an advantage. There is a tool in our quiver that we have not really put to good use yet. We know stuff. And the stuff we know is really, really cool, no matter how you look […]