The electrically powered airplane is as poorly regarded by the wider society today as the gasoline powered airplane was in the early 20th Century or the electrically powered motorcycle today. Yet, electric airplanes are flying all over the world with great success.
Reality can be inconvenient
Accepting reality is not always convenient, but it is a worthy goal. The savings can be considerable in terms of cash — and life itself.
The battle continues: Education vs degree programs
Education is the key to success. There’s no doubt about it. But, does that mean a college degree is an essential component of that success? Does the lack of a B.A., or a B.S., or an MBA behind our name mean we’ll live in a state of lesser potential forevermore? Poppycock, I say.
Ugly and slow, but airworthy
There is one piece of advice I pass along to almost everyone who asks me about flight training. It’s as counter-intuitive today as it was when a CFI gave this same advice to me nearly 40 years ago. It’s also every bit as true as it ever was. It is this: Buy an airplane.
In consideration of the Do point
This is the Do point, not to be confused with the Dew point, which pertains to the weather. It relates to a pilot’s ability, even responsibility, to do something. To make a decision that’s rooted in safety. An action that is based on solid, conservative thought processes designed to keep ourselves, our passengers, and the aircraft safe from harm.
Old friends make good
I’d hoped to fly large multi-engine aircraft built by Boeing and Airbus. I wanted to jaunt off on trips around the world, spend a third of my nights in hotels, and generally live the dream of a commercial airline pilot. But that didn’t happen. Thank goodness, my plans changed.
Local safety procedures are not to be ignored
The erosion of safety in flight is not the fault of the FAA or your state’s Department of Transportation. The risks we’re seeing at non-towered airports are of our own making. A minority of us seem to be insistent that they are free to act without regard for others.
Does DEI have a place in aviation?
It’s time for us to put our individual anger and bitterness behind us. The talent pool of folks who are finding their way into aviation is growing. Some of these new entrants look familiar, some look different. It makes no difference. If they can meet the training requirements, gain the experience, and show proficiency in their chosen field, they deserve a green light from those of us who came before. More than that, they deserve our acceptance and encouragement.
Patience and persistence pay off
There’s another one out there. Another airplane. Another airport. Another kid who wants to find their way inside the fence to see if aviation is a good fit. I’m pretty sure those of us lucky enough to be players in this industry have the potential to persist and remain patient in our efforts to grow and improve the industry. If we do that, I’m confident everything will work out just fine.