I would like to propose that the value of general aviation in these increasingly expensive times is more valuable than ever, but its value is best measured in terms that many of us rarely consider. I am referring to the economics of time.
The burden of opinion
Opinions are unique, totally dependent on the perspective of the individual, and of limited value to the millions of other people wandering around in your corner of the world. Your opinion and your personal tastes are of no real consequence to them. Yet, an opinion, improperly put into action, could present a risk to the safety and welfare of others.
The dos and don’ts of talking on the radio
The FAA provides guidance to pilots about talking on the radio — guidance that is too often misunderstood, unknown, or flat out ignored. Here is a list of the important dos and don’ts when talking to ATC or over the CTAF.
A bit of restraint goes a long way
This one’s all about improving the success rate of the 51% of the population we’ve done such an exceptional job of excluding from the cockpit for so long. Increasing the number of women in aviation is a worthy goal in my estimation.
A correlation worth noting
This past week an inexcusably argumentative exchange between a controller and a pilot, a Certificated Flight Instructor, made its way onto social media. Aside from the entertainment value some may find in this exchange, it gives aviation a black eye by linking us to the worst characteristics of humans. Arrogance, resistance to authority, complacency, deflection of blame, refusal to accept responsibility, and as if that isn’t bad enough, this all took place during an instructional flight with what we can reasonably assume was a primary student.
Selfless collaboration beats selfish competition every time
Aviation is a relatively small but absolutely vital industry. For many of us general aviation is the entry point to this remarkable business, and in some cases becomes the desired destination. Together we can grow the size of the pie we work within or shrink it.
Homeward bound
No matter how much fun you have at an airshow, the trip home is always a welcome time.
Some limits are made to be exceeded
You never too young — or too old — to learn how to fly. The only thing stopping you is your self-imposed limits.
Something old, something new-ish
Breaking in a new engine requires heightened focus, along with some parameters for the first few hours of flight: Stay below 5,500 MSL to assure the engine can run at 65% power or better. Only conduct cross-country flights of an hour or more in duration. Full stop landings. No touch-n-go pattern work. No stalls and recoveries. Limit use of idle power to start up, taxi, and landing. And of course, use mineral oil exclusively for this break-in period.