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Politics for Pilots
Avoiding that flight to fiasco
For American general aviation pilots, Mexico is just on the other side of the Rio Grande, a body of water that is smaller and far less intimidating than many would believe. South America is a picturesque island-hopping adventure away. Canada lies right there above Detroit, waiting to welcome us. Our travel options are many. But those options come with strings. Be aware of them before you go. Always.
A small midwestern city that doubles in size once a year
Oshkosh is not significantly different than other cities of similar size. It isn’t blessed with a frosting of magic dust that brings wealth and prosperity. What it does have is AirVenture, and that’s neither accidental nor unappreciated.
The ultimate investment
Rather than putting tens of thousands of dollars into a sports car to assuage our fear of aging, why not learn to fly? Rather than taking on six figure debt to upscale into a bigger, more expensive house in an effort to impress the Joneses, wouldn’t we be better off to invest just a small fraction of that amount in ourselves?
Motivational speakers aplenty
Find your own personal mentor, motivational speaker, or coach right there on the ramp. Listen to them. You might be surprised at the results you get from that interaction.
Happy accidents and gratifying outcomes
Of all the challenging landings I’ve greased, of all the long cross-countries I’ve accomplished without getting lost, and of the various in-flight challenges I’ve overcome safely, nothing compares to the satisfaction I get when a cluster of kids rebuilds an engine, then watches it run for the first time. And that’s to say nothing of the look on their faces when they exit the airplane after their first time at the controls.
Taking a different path to awesomeness
He lived his dream to fly with his own hands on the controls. The fact that I was along for the ride and available to keep him safe if needed was no big deal. He flew. His lifelong goal had been realized.
Not your granddad’s hot spot
In my granddad’s day, an airport hot spot was a bar or a diner close to the field where pilots, mechanics, line service personnel, and aviation enthusiasts could gather for a cold one at the end of the day. Today, that designation refers to a point on the airport grounds where it is possible, if not likely, that confusion may result in an airplane, truck, car, or other motorized vehicle straying onto a chunk of pavement other than the one the pilot or driver intended — potentially with tragic results.
A little humility goes a long way
I have developed a habit over the years that I believe in with profound intensity. When challenged on a topic, or when it’s pointed out to me that I am in the wrong, I ask myself quietly, within the confines of my head, “Could I be mistaken?” A dose of humility comes with that inner conversation every time.