Can a flight school realistically turn a zero-time individual with no aeronautical background into a professional pilot in less than six months?
Politics for Pilots
A Dying Trade That’s A Golden Opportunity
Many believe a fabric-covering shop is an anachronistic symbol of the past. Yet, it is very much a reality of the now and a potentially lucrative business in the future — all based on a skillset few seek out, but thousands upon thousands of aircraft owners desperately need.
The Basics Aren’t Always So Basic
No matter how technologically advanced the world around us might become, the basics still have their place. And like the seaplanes I love so dearly, the Piper J-3 Cub is a simple, honest, straight-forward flying machine. It is timeless.
Looking for Loopholes? Your Engine Doesn’t Care About the Regs
Too often we might be inclined to find the exact term that’s missing. Some of us might interpret that to mean there is no rule that requires us to do the smart thing, the logical thing, the thing any sentient being with the will to survive knows is necessary. But we found a loophole: We don’t have to because the rule doesn’t say so. This is what is known in scientific and technological circles as dumb.
Social Media’s Gift to Aviation
Social media posts and YouTube videos that capture the art and science of aviation are beneficial for pilots, but also intriguing to non-pilots. And the more people who see aviation in a positive light, the better.
Be Prepared For The Bad Thing
Being prepared to handle the bad thing requires forethought. The only way I know how to do it is to sit down in a quiet place, let the imagination wander, and consider every negative possibility that comes to mind. This isn’t dark work. It’s liberating. The scenarios unfold to provide confidence.
For The Love of John Wayne’s Ghost
Female pilots exist. They commit to the same training as their male counterparts. They pass the same tests and ultimately fly the same missions. This should not be a problem. But it can be.
Who Are The Big Three Decision Makers in Aviation?
The decision to fly involves a series of decisions based on available information. Whether regulatory, contractual, or based on personal limitations, the legality and safety of flight comes down to us in the long run. So choose wisely.
The MOSAIC Loophole That Isn’t
The truth is we enjoy such incredible freedom to fly as we choose, to the destinations we wish, in the aircraft we opt to pilot, it’s actually difficult for some of us to recognize the full breadth of our bounty.