If a 16-year-old kid can plan out the basics of an Aero Club, seek out the professional assistance necessary to confidently set it up in a way that will pass muster with the authorities he’ll have to deal with, and build a membership that actively wants to help pull the wagon — well, the rest of us can probably do it too.
Politics for Pilots
Living large on wheels and wings
There is a common thread between the motorcycle and the airplane that perhaps deserves consideration. Those of us who engage with these machines are considered to be adventurers. Some might call us daring, although the truth is most of us do our best to limit risk when riding or flying. It’s in our best interest to do so.
Who is in charge here?
Many managers of non-towered airports take a hands-off approach for fear of making a misstep that embarrasses them or opens them up to criticism. They allow the safety of operations to degrade rather than take bold steps to fend off an impending disaster. If you fly, you’ve seen this firsthand, as have I — as has every pilot who ventures into their airspace and lands on their field.
A checkered past does not preclude a bright future
There was a period in my career when I spent time restoring warbirds. I learned a valuable lesson during that phase of life: Anything can be repaired if you’ve got enough money and time. Anything.
The basics of transitioning
The FAA provides us with minimum standards for our aeronautical endeavors, which we would be wise to remember are literally minimum standards. These should not be the end point of our training and currency goals. The wise pilot seeks proficiency, not merely a willingness to fly.
Playing in the key of A, B, C, D, E, and G
Flying is an awful lot like playing a musical instrument. In both cases, when you do it well, your heart just sings.
NORDO no more
I absolutely, without reservation, love the Piper Cub. I do not love NORDO aircraft, however. In fact, I will go so far as to say I believe flying without benefit of a radio is irresponsible, dangerous, and completely unnecessary.
Classic or contemporary: Which aircraft is best?
Go old, go inexpensive, go classic. It might be the best deal you’ll find all day.
The home field advantage disadvantage
The real glitch in an adventure-seeking flight is not the flight outbound, although any one of us could be excused for thinking that might be the case. No, it is the trip home that presents the larger challenge.