Late in 2013 a study was released by PricewaterhouseCoopers that ranked Florida above 49 other states as the most attractive location for aviation entities to do business. Governor Rick Scott took the report in stride, suggesting it was an indicator his business-friendly policies were poised to reap economic rewards for the Sunshine State. Aviation has […]
The four secret steps to becoming a good old boy
In your town, right now, there is a good old boy network firmly in place. I know this because there is a good old boy network in place in every town. Whether you’re in New York City, Los Angeles, Clarksville, Texas, or Carrington, North Dakota, there is a group of men and women known locally — and […]
Courting integrity for the long haul
My family is probably as dysfunctional and weird as any. Yet for all the squawking and sarcasm and occasional emotional outbursts, we still care for one another. You might even say we love each other. Certainly, there’s a sense of trust and acceptance that defies logic. I’m proud of that. I suspect most parents feel similarly […]
AirVenture tempts teachers with freebies
You don’t have to be a pilot or an aircraft mechanic to enjoy the largest general aviation gathering in North America. To prove that point, Build A Plane, in partnership with AirVenture, is offering teachers a very special perk for attending the festivities on Tuesday, July 28, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. For the fifth year, they […]
Can aviation get its mojo back?
There was a time not so long ago when aviation was cool. It was hip. It was a celebrity in its own right. Being photographed next to an airplane was a dream come true. Being one of the lucky few who got to actually fly from here to there, faster than any train or car […]
Motivation, inspiration, and big ol’ dreams
I’ve just returned from a beautiful morning chat on my friend Ben’s front porch. Ben’s 87 years old. As a solid member of that group known as the greatest generation, he fills the bill well. A southern boy born into hard work and low expectations, he went off to war as a young man in […]
Welcome to the minority
When the topic of aviation comes up, it is almost a given that the conversation will come around to pilots. Even if the discussion isn’t about flying itself, the chatter still turns to pilots. Whether you’re interacting with an aviation-centric audience or a rabble that wants to shut down the local airport, the person most […]
The context of a Mann
On Friday, May 23, Hiram Mann was laid to rest. After 92 years his body had given all it had to give. He was my friend. I’m sorry to say I was not at the ceremony with his family, his illustrious peers, and others who witnessed a U.S Air Force honor guard attending to his interment. […]
When in doubt, panic
Last week news organizations gleefully trumpeted the near collision of two airliners. Their coverage was spotty at best, with few, if any, first hand accounts from anyone with actual knowledge of the event, other than the description of a passenger. Fortunately for editors and news producers who are too busy or disinterested to assign actual […]