As pilots, we stand on the shoulders of our pilot forefathers. It seems they have done all the really hard work for us.
The Wright brothers studied the designs of early gliders at the beginning of the 20th century. They combined wing warping linked to rudders with a 12-horsepower gas engine, giving birth to the first controllable motor powered airplanes. We stand on their shoulders.
Many designers made engine and airframe improvements, both in the U.S. and overseas. During both World Wars and other armed conflicts, U.S. military pilots fought — and some died — for the freedom of all Americans. We stand on their shoulders.
After winning the wars, our pilot forefathers went on to win battles in the federal and state legislatures to ensure our civilian flight freedoms.
For example, U.S. pilots fly VFR across state lines coast to coast at any time without being required to tell the government we are doing so. That is true and nearly complete freedom.
How do we fly so far safely? We also stand on the shoulders of technology revolution giants. GPS, autopilots, ADS-B, glass cockpits, ATC radar, and much more contribute to today’s safer and more enjoyable flight environment.
One reason American pilots are the freest in the world today is because the generations of pilots that came before us would have it no other way. Freedom is the American way.
Many of our forefather pilots spent some of their time and money creating pilot associations like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
Alphabet groups like these — and many others — advocate for pilot freedoms on the state, federal, and local level.
Of course, reasonable government regulation is required for the safety of all, but I sleep better at night knowing that there are organized groups that will fight to protect our freedoms from unreasonable laws and regulations.
A big shout out to our pilot forefathers! They have provided a great foundation upon which we build today.
I’ve watched this gradual, but steady, erosion of our freedoms, since learning to fly in the early seventies. This country has lost its way. Advanced technology should be used, whenever possible, to preserve access to airspace and not to deny it, or to make that access so inconvenient that only paid professionals and those who can easily burden the cost stay actively engaged in the full use thereof.
And under no circumstances should the government impose installation requirements that are used to track and record the movement of individual citizens, or their property, for the purposes of non-commercial travel.That kind of control mentality, outside the careful and legitimate pursuit of safety, is an anathema to our founding principles and a existential threat to the Republic. It is far more reminiscent of a totalitarian state, and totally unacceptable.
Many of our youth would feel that way, too, if they were not simultaneously being cheated out of a better education and indoctrinated into socialism by the academic establishment. The worst thing about the loss of freedom isn’t the loss itself, but the easy and uninformed acceptance that so casually accompanies it. I would give a hundred snowflake socialists and late-born flower children for one real patriot. Live free, or die. It isn’t just talk.
“For example, U.S. pilots fly VFR across state lines coast to coast at any time without being required to tell the government we are doing so. That is true and nearly complete freedom.”
Really? Only if you fly a plane that does not have an electrical system.
For the rest, how many of us had to put in ADS-B Out? While you didn’t have to ask permission to fly somewhere, as it were, you are being tracked and recorded. No? Ever hear of Flight Aware? What about VAS Aviation that gets the ATC tapes and puts them on You Tube?
And then, you are asked (told?) that you are to give your full tail number on initial callup to an airport so they can show how many flight ops take place there (UNICOM, not towered). Plus there are those cameras that attempt to get your tail number when you land at different airports…..
Just say’n’
We have the freedom to fly….as long as our aircraft meet the FAA airworthiness specs. and we adhere to the FAR-AIM, that is over 1,000 pages.
Now there is ADS-B out with ‘big brother’ watching.
It could be a LOT more free ….but now I fear what the socialist dems may impose…..assuming that O’biden is confirmed.
We are entering a long, dangerous period of anti-Constitution, economic strain in the USA…I would not be getting too comfy with your freedom expectations.
Great that you’re celebrating the freedom to fly, but statements like “One reason American pilots are the freest in the world today …” could have used a little more thought. Pilots in countries that have more class G airspace, no TFRs, etc. might dispute that. But that said, we all appreciate the sacrifices of those who went before, which was your main point.