Common Cause
Holiday Cheer
So the people have chosen new leadership this past election day, and now we turn our attention to the holiday season. Many of the celebrations will continue, from Thanksgiving Day thru mid-January, although the current economic stress may force many of us to tighten our belts a little. Maybe not so many toys for the plane this year, and maybe less flying hours than desired; each of us will do what is necessary to keep flying. Time for the passion to fuel the fortitude.
But our tradition of giving this season presents an opportunity for us to invite others to experience, perhaps for the first time, the joys and fun of recreational flying. Whether you take someone up for a ride, or give a gift of an hour introductory ride in a general aviation aircraft, you will be making the most of the season’s best resolutions to our fellow future aviators. Give the gift that will last a lifetime; plant a seed that will germinate when the time and circumstance is right. Every person remembers their first flight, even if they don’t make it a career or a passion. Be that person who gave that gift.
Many of us fly Young Eagles under the EAA program, but I wish there was a parallel program to take the parents up. So many times I could see the envy in their eyes as I take their kids up for the ride of a lifetime, but they couldn’t share in it. This season might be a perfect time to offer the parents a ride as an independent effort, in addition to your own friends and relatives. The smile and vivid experience may be reward enough, but some percentage of them will choose to look further into lessons and careers. And you will be that person who lit the fire, and passed the torch.
In this season when we get to be thankful for so many gifts in our lives, let us be most thankful we get to fly. We get to see the world from a different vantage point, where the beauty and wonder are more evident than from the roads and cities. We taste freedom in a way that’s hard to convey in words; pictures do better, but personal experience is the best. Whether from floats, or a balloon, or open cockpit, or high tech rocket, we are privileged to rise above the surface, and feel the freedom of the birds, and the peace of the morning air and setting sun. Each day is a new start, a chance to be better, a safer pilot, and a more understanding person. Perhaps better than others, we pilots see the potential in each person, and in each day. A rough landing is like a rough day: tomorrow is another chance to do better.
More than anything, it is important that you care. Care enough to improve yourself and your flying skills. Care enough to watch your fellow pilots and admonish against unsafe practices. Care enough to appreciate the whole flying community: A&P mechanics, FBO owners, CFIs, homebuilders, and FAA staffers alike. It’s not just about you or me; it’s about the flying community as a whole. Be an active member; make us proud.
Common Cause- Promise to use GA for the common good. Share the wealth and joy of flight. Spread the word by deed: take others for a ride. Share the sky; it’s our common resource. Take time to teach; take time to learn. Be a good pilot; be a better pilot. Be a positive example. Be mindful of our airport neighbors. Fly safe. Merry Christmas.
By Mike Sullivan
COM SMEL, CFI, MEI, INSTRI
E-mail: Msull77554@aol.com KHEF