Dear Deborah and Tom,
Yes, I do feel like I am on a first-name basis from reading your contributions to The Southern Aviator.
I have just renewed for two years, even though I moved from Florida to SOUTHERN Wisconsin, so I think I am still qualified to be a subscriber.
I have wanted to write this for several months to let you know how much I enjoy your paper and your columns. When I get my issue each month, my first action is to turn to the back to read Deborah’s Short Final column (Tom, I really prefer it when her column is just inside the back cover). I have a pilot’s license, but my medical was yanked in 1991. So I am not very interested in airplanes and piloting. However I am still an avid aviation enthusiast. But I am not as interested in reading columns on flying techniques or weather forecasting or safety as I am in reading about the people who are involved in aviation. That is what I get from Short Final. Some of the other aspects appear in this column but the main emphasis is on the people. Keep this up, Deb. For the same reason, I particularly enjoyed the article, “Keeping up with the Joneses” (August 2005 issue). It was about the people, and not just the airplanes.
When I finish Short Final, I then turn to the editor’s column. I really find it interesting and informative and helpful in making my own opinions as to what is happening in aviation. Some months back, I cancelled my memberships in AOPA and EAA since I didn”t think I was getting my money’s worth. Their editorials were too much personal back-patting and praise for their respective organizations and not enough about real aviation. So, Tom, keep it up, too.
Kudos to you both and hope our paths will cross sometime.
Don Roberts
via email