Hendry County, Florida, is situated in the vast no-man’s land just north of the Everglades and west of Lake Okeechobee. Approximately equivalent in size to Rhode Island, the entire county hosts a population of barely 38,000 people. That being the case, this agricultural wonderland might not be the first place you’d think to find a […]
Politics for Pilots
Beware bumper sticker politics
My wife and I were having a perfectly lovely time. We were situated in a corner booth at Egg Haven, one of my home town’s more popular eateries, as our waitress whirled through the room with an energy level that seemed impossibly high for a Sunday morning. We were engaged in an activity long time […]
Better than a sharp stick in the eye
Whatever you might think about how your airport operates, or how the local FBO sets its rates, or if it’s time to build a tower at your field or remained non-towered, eventually you’re going to disagree with the folks in charge. Alternatively, if you are one of the folks in charge, you’re going to disagree with […]
Get mission oriented
Regardless of the endeavor, success comes as a result of focus, determination, and persistence. Admittedly, that’s not exactly a revolutionary idea. The steps required to facilitate those points are somewhat more mysterious, however. Many an entrepreneur has failed even though their idea, product, or the service they intended to deliver was well suited to the […]
General aviation has a place at the table
The year was 1606. King James of England (and Scotland) boldly authorized a group of entrepreneurial types to cross the Atlantic in a leaky wooden boat in search of gold, timber, and a route across the New World to the Pacific, by water. The party consisted of 104 brave souls, all bent on bettering their […]
An impressive return on investment
Something interesting is happening in General Aviation. It’s largely being driven at the grass root level, and frankly these developments fascinate and encourage me. The industry has noted a loss of participation in past decades, with fewer active pilots taking to the skies. We’ve bemoaned this reality for years. While some point a finger at […]
Eggs, basket, uh-oh
We all know the classic adage “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” It’s simple advice. Perhaps too simple, because people still ignore it, no matter how obvious the repercussions of running afoul of it might be. The latest and greatest example I’ve encountered happened just the other day here in central Florida. And […]
Expect the unexpected
Like so many general aviation pilots, I found myself some years ago with very limited options for renting aircraft. Whenever I found a company that was willing to rent to the public, I found the price was high, the service was poor, the aircraft were less than inviting, and I never felt particularly valued as […]
The King of Cancellations
Like you, I have on occasion cancelled a dentist appointment. Even at the last minute, with almost no warning, I’ve cancelled plans to attend a wedding or a birthday party. A friend of mine just cancelled a dinner he had been planning. Cancellations happen. We might be disappointed, but we adapt. We overcome the sorrow […]