Basically — and I’m paraphrasing here for the benefit of those who think they can spot a loophole — if you work in aviation you will be drug tested. That means you have to make a decision: Do you want to party like it’s 1999 or do you want to work in aviation?
Politics for Pilots
How to beat inflation
Inflation is hitting us hard and making it nearly impossible for many general aviation enthusiasts to ply the skies with the frequency and duration we might like. But you don’t have to let an economic speed bump stop you from flying.
Satisfaction (practically) guaranteed
As movies go, “Top Gun: Maverick” is a beauty. It’s old time Hollywood glitz and glamour with the benefit of technologies that allow the viewer to experience the thrill of flying in a way that almost — almost — equates to the actual experience.
The economics of time
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.