(Editors note: This was written last month, but did not make the deadline
for publication.) As we all know by now an experimental helicopter flown
by a very experienced local helicopter pilot met the ground harshly some
days back. The bright note has to be that he was doing what he loved best
when the end came. It was neat to see his interest in the big whirly birds
along with the little experimental ones too! Recently I was hanging around
some people in the medical profession and listening to them talk made
me wonder how my talking sounds to them. Then I wondered how seasoned
pilots words sound to new aviation folks. "Yea I was flying with my DOUBLE
II CFI SHOOTING ILS'S and GPS right down to DA and MDA with my FOGGLES
in IMC CONDITIONS." To the instrument pilot this makes sense but
to the private or student pilot he or she may have no clue. Our neighbors
will be clueless. Many people are in awe of "all those buttons and switches".
It would help aviation out if we made the average person realize it really
is simple and it really is fun Just don't tell them it is really expensive.
I was wondering, Mr. Lee Lawson, if you could tow something for me. The
ad in Trade-A-Plane read "SUPER DC-3 FERRIABLE CONDITION, NO ENGINES OR
PROPS". I guess what that means is it IS ferriable but not- flyable. So
Lee if you will tow it, I know Al D. will fly it. Speaking of Mr. Lee
Lawson, one of our chapters technical counselors, gave the VP-2 a
good looking over. It is amazing what another pair of eyes can see. Thanks
again for a great day. Lee came over after the EAA breakfast at J.B. diner
at Smartt Field. The breakfast was great and I think we all learned why
we do not have more airplane stuff. I am sure someone said it is because
our wives won't let us have more money. Is that right Gary?
|