Politics for Pilots

Arguments, discussions and peace: These are not incompatible terms, even if they may appear to be at first glance. Keep that thought in mind. Several weeks ago a reader sent me a book. The title is, I assume, intentionally incendiary, “How Safe is Your Pilot?” If that doesn’t grab your attention, the subtitle certainly will. […]

Last week I attended a webinar. The topic was Airport Compatible Land Use. Now, if you’ve never been to a webinar, you’re really missing something — at least in theory. Technology allows large numbers of us to get together and discuss a topic of common interest, without ever having to leave our homes or offices. […]

Given the option of taking the pessimistic view or the optimistic view, I’ll more often than not take the brighter alternative. I prefer to believe that one person who is willing to put in significant effort can make a difference. There are plenty of examples of this phenomenon in our history, and I will refrain […]

I am fortunate to be based on an airport where there are many truly talented, well credentialed people who really want to make a positive difference. One of those people is Janeen Kochan, a force of nature who also happens to be a designated pilot examiner, an A&P with Inspection Authorization, and a heck of […]

Two of the main alphabet organizations focused on general aviation include the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). They both offer something of real value to each of us who works or recreates in the realm of general aviation. Let’s face it, it’s a tough market out there these days […]

OSHKOSH — While riding the tram back to show center from the seaplane parking area, I met Graham. He was interested in taking a seat in my row, yet I was unwilling to give up the outside seat, because I was taking photos of the people and airplanes on Wittman Regional Airport as the tram […]

The truth is simple, and weird. I am a refugee. Not by force, or circumstance, or because I am caught between two warring factions that are sworn to smite me should I show my face. No, it’s nothing so dramatic as that. I am a refugee by choice, as are thousands of others who are […]

I was a very experienced camper when I was a kid. That’s not so much because I was a naturally adventurous youngster. The Boy Scouts showed me how to camp, explore, and make it back safely. I lived in New England then, and I have fond memories of waking up in a toasty warm sleeping […]

Let’s be totally honest for a moment. Airplanes crash now and then. They ditch, make emergency landings, have system failures and, once in a while, one of them catches on fire. That’s all true. It’s also exceedingly rare. We need to be truthful and willing to speak on that topic. Because we can tell the […]