The lessons waiting to be learned just inside the SUN ‘n FUN gates may be exactly what your town or city needs to revitalize general aviation, boost your local economy, and push your school system’s educational potential up to the next level.
The shared challenges of the left and right seat
The CFI’s role is to teach. To demonstrate. To evaluate the performance of the individuals they work with. But that role also requires the CFI to encourage, support, congratulate, and celebrate each client’s successes, small though they may be.
It’s time to talk about pilots and depression
One area of concern that pilots of all ages shy away from discussing openly is mental health. Which is a shame because mental health is a critical component of overall health. Unfortunately, the FAA has historically been less than charitable toward flight crew members who utter the word “depression” in the wrong company, or admit to having issues with the real speed bumps found along the road of life.
Can you crowdfund a flight training scholarship?
Learning to fly is expensive, but if a community comes together and everyone donates just a little, that could easily pay for the flight training for a new pilot every year.
Hire a CFI who works for you
The responsibility of picking a good CFI lies squarely on the shoulders of the customer, so pick your CFI wisely. They work for you, after all. Hire well.
Calls to close KHFD ignore the true value of the airport
What is often missed when calculating the value of a facility like Brainard Airport is its educational and vocational worth. Its profound capacity to create opportunity for individuals young and old, from all walks of life, who choose to involve themselves in aviation as a hobby or a career, is undeniable.
Toys are not just for kids
My intent was to pick up a toy airplane. That’s all. It would take 10 minutes I thought. I’d be in, out, and on my way in no time. How hard could it be to find and buy a toy airplane after all?
An aviation career is more than a numbers game
For many aeronautical hopefuls, the idea of securing a spot in the left seat of an airliner represents the golden ring of career attainment. To be in command of an airliner and draw the platinum plated paychecks that come with that position is so appealing to some of us that we miss the opportunity to smell the flowers along the way. Or the Je-tA.
I am not a volunteer, but maybe you should be
The AOPA Foundation Ambassadors aren’t volunteers, but all three recognize the importance of volunteers to the success of general aviation, whether it’s in a flying club or at EAA AirVenture, the biggest airshow in the world.