Because flying is cool.
That’s the answer to why we publish General Aviation News.
“Cool” is a relative term. What I think is cool may not be cool to you.
But overall, that informal motto has been driving us to produce content unique to us. More times than not, I believe we are succeeding.
How do I know? Because I hear from a good many readers who call to renew their subscriptions and tell me so.
A recent email from a long-time subscriber tells me we’re doing pretty well, but from a different point of view.
“Your publication is so good that I think I owe it to you to explain why I’m not renewing. Having turned 80 I’ve had to sell my beloved Cessna 172 and step away from flying. I love seeing the pictures of all the unique airplanes at the air shows you cover but each issue leaves me feeling melancholy knowing that after 50 years behind the yoke, I’ll never again be the sole pilot of an airplane. So thank you for all the hard work you do for the flying community.”
I’m sad for this former subscriber, but grateful he took the time to send this email.
General aviation means different things to different people. And while there are challenges aplenty, there are still a lot of really cool things happening…and we plan to share those stories.
And if you have a cool story, let editor Janice Wood know at [email protected] or 800-426-8538 x3.
Pass ‘em on
Another subscriber called to ask why he received a renewal notice after he had already renewed. Turns out, I posted his renewal the day after the next batch of renewal notices had been mailed. It was a case of “They crossed in the mail.”
After sorting that out, he told me how much he enjoys reading General Aviation News and has made it a habit to pass it along to a teenager he knows with the hope of sparking an interest in flying.
While I’m happy he renewed his subscription, I’m thrilled he’s passing his copy along for someone else to read.
What do you do with your copy of General Aviation News after you read it? Please consider passing it along.
Shameless plug: If you aren’t a subscriber and would like to be, give me a call at 800-426-8538 x2. I’m old school — I still answer my phone if I’m available. If I miss your call, leave me a message and I’ll call you back.
Welcome back Tom
I’ve subscribed to Tom Turner’s weekly Flying Lessons newsletter longer than I’ve been a reader. But over the last few years, I’ve made it a habit to read this treasure trove of knowledge.
A few months ago Tom’s website went offline after a run-in with an “unscrupulous web designer.”
I’m happy to report the Thomas P Turner Mastery of Flight website is back online and ready to serve. If you are looking to up your safety game and improve your aviation knowledge, point your web browser to https://thomaspturner.com/
Welcome back to the internet Tom.
Love GAN. I too cannot toss it as so many pilots may not have seen it. I take it to the different small airports and leave it in the pilots lounge or at the flight school at my local airport. Sometimes I take it to an EAA or local state chapter meeting, leave it on the table and it’s always gone. Hopefully they become subscribers!
It’s so nice to read a human interest piece, where heart really shines through. I look forward to the articles and “Picture of the Day” every time I see GAN in my inbox. Thank you for still keeping us pilots connected like one big community!
To the 80 year old pilot who had to give up flying solo, as the saying goes, “Don’t throw the baby out with the water.” Stay connected, wherever, whenever you are able. If you can fly with a friend who has a plane, or better yet, an instructor in a flight school aircraft, trying some task or challenge. If not an aircraft, a flight school’s Redbird or Frasca simulator working on scenarios with an instructor and then yourself. Stay connected with flying clubs, flying friends. Once a pilot, always a pilot. Am sure you have many flying stories, and words of wisdom, others would love to hear. If you cannot go physically; there are many opportunities online to stay connected with fellow pilots. Haven’t we always been taught to have options, an alternate? It can still be rewarding, even if you’re not solo.
Regarding leaving the hard copy of GAN, et al — successful locations to shamelessly promote flying – your car dealership or repair shop waiting for service, doctor or dentist waiting room, and church office! Just think out of the box. Ha! I tempted a deacon with a Discovery Flight, which he scheduled one in ten days..
How many of us are willing to admit we hate to discard our aviation books, magazines, publications etc…? We either accumulate them to where we’re tripping over them, or are asked to pack them up for storage in the basement. Let’s keep finding them homes. Nothing like inspiring new students, with that look of excitement on their faces after a flight.
I volunteer at a congregate dining room for seniors. One of our clients is a retired NASA employee who loves flying, and has built an ultralight aircraft. I pass on our copy of GA news to him. After he reads it he gives it to his grandson who wants to be an astronaut, and who is planning to attend space camp in FL next year.
GAN is worthy our support as they have not gone the way of other aviation publications beholden to deep-pocketed advertisers and government. We old timers in the South appreciate that they gently acquired our own publication, Southern Aviator, years ago. By gently I mean they continued featuring our favorite local writers and did not ignore all the great aviation people and events in the South. Keep up the good work, Ben and Janice.