When we find ourselves saying, “well, that’s different,” perhaps we could step back, consider the situation seriously, and acknowledge that seeking insight into how to best deal with an unusual situation is the smart move. And it’s the smart move every damn time.
Politics for Pilots
Aviation ain’t what it used to be
Nope, aviation ain’t what it used to be. Frankly, it’s better. Much better. It’s more affordable, more accessible, more dependable, and far less prone to failures than it was in the past.
What if trivia isn’t trivial at all?
Would a Trivial Pursuit version that focuses on aviation help expand pilot knowledge?
It’s a money thing. Or is it?
Like so many who ultimately succeed in obtaining a pilot certificate, I struggled for years with limited funds, unproductive flight lessons, less than helpful instructors, and flight schools that were happy to accept my payments while putting little effort into helping me achieve my stated goal. That story is all too common. Those of us who persevere, however, tend to learn a valuable lesson.
How fast is fast enough?
The history of travel has been long, slow, frequently unsafe, and undeniably tedious. Until the Wright brothers got us airborne.
Losing weight the easy way and the hard way
One of the immutable aspects of flight that is that weight cannot be finessed out of our calculations. It must be measured carefully, placed in the appropriate location, or discarded. There is no wiggle room. The airplane itself has mass and weight. As does fuel, baggage, passengers, and the pilot. Weight matters.
Papers please
Having our paperwork in order is important. Sadly, the vast majority of general aviation pilots have developed the unfortunate habit of ignoring that requirement.
Fear of flying: Rational, irrational, or strategic?
It could be argued that it is a sign of having a functional intellect to feel apprehensive about getting airborne. Humans evolved as land animals. We’re most comfortable on a solid surface at ground level. We seek peace and quiet, especially as we age. Aviation is antithetical to our basic human nature.
Seeking unconventional recruits
If we open the door wide enough, a whole new group of talented, capable, dedicated folks might just walk through it and become pilots.