Giving Thanks

It was raining steadily as Mrs. Wilko readied herself to leave the store. Outside, standing in the rain, was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army with the red kettle suspended nearby, the purpose- to collect donations for the less fortunate. She placed some money in the bucket and engaged the 30ish something man in a quick conversation.

Mrs. Wilko: Wow, you’re out here in the rain.

Bell Ringer: Oh, it’s nothing ma'am. I’m just getting started. I’ll be here for six weeks.

Mrs. Wilko: Six weeks? That’s quite a sacrifice.

Bell Ringer: Not really. I’m paying back a debt. That’s as much time as I can take off from work. If it wasn’t for the kindness of the Salvation Army, I wouldn’t be alive today so I plan to do this every year. Thank you for the donation.

Mrs. Wilko: (choked up) Happy Thanksgiving.

We have since seen this same gentlemen at his post continuing his bell ringing which doubtless will continue through the end of the year.

Thanksgiving is a holiday. Thanksgiving is also an attitude. Current public school curriculum explains that the Pilgrims left to find new land in 1620, thereby remaining politically correct. Actually, they were Separatists that left for religious freedom. They remained steadfast in their faith despite the dangers, disease and privations they endured. Mind you, 47 out of the original 102 colonists perished that first winter leaving only three families intact. If it had not been for Squanto’s help, it is doubtful they would have survived (Which is an amazing story in itself). Governor Bradford declared a public day of Thanksgiving in appreciation to their God for sustaining them one year after they arrived. Pumpkin pie and football had not yet been invented so there was something more that made them grateful. They trusted God for His providence despite tremendous difficulties.

There’s a lesson in that. I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving

No Room for Error

Low level aerobatics, Combat sorties; Bush pilot flying. Not much margin for error.

Commercial Aviation start-ups? Even less margin for error.

Flying passengers can be a tough, tough business with many crashing against the shoals of a hard economic climate, thin margins, and the vagaries of consumer sentiments. The siren song of this fast moving industry has lured many onto the rocks. Still, I've frequently wondered what it might be like to make money in anything related to flying. This recent article suggests it's not for the faint hearted

Those who start airlines are "either visionaries or lunatics, and they're both defined the same way: They're people who see things the rest of us don't," …."I don't know why anyone would want to do it… “There's no room. And it's a lousy investment."

Since the industry was deregulated in 1978, the Department of Transportation has granted operating certificates to 533 air carriers, including scheduled passenger, charter and air cargo operators. Only 121 certificated air carriers are flying today. Since 1990, 98 commuter air carriers have gotten certificates, and 46 are operating.

It takes a compelling idea, skill, and tremendous quantities of drive and money to make it. Jet Blue was one that succeeded. Commercial Aviation entrepreneurs share this pilot tendency: We both manage risk and no one expects they will become a statistic.

Perspective

Colorful winding river banks, golf courses and farmland all take on a different look at altitude. Mrs. Wilko snapped a few en route to visit relatives. Flying days will be in short supply as temperatures drop but it's a great time of year. Who doesn't like football, corn mazes, acorns, pumpkins, and Thanksgiving. Cooler temperatures sweep in over summer's waning heat and, in the midwest, it is harvest time throughout the prairie state before the snow.

The Letter No Pilot Wants

Careers and reputations have been sunk by momentary lapses in judgment. There is the more prominent, and unfortunately frequent, news about politicians and business leaders caught in the act of indiscretions for love or money.

Negligence can be as destructive. This letter and the reported facts surrounding the infamous Northwest flight 188 to Minneapolis are finally available. Some say the Revocation Order is too severe. Years of effort and two careers gone in a flash. (Actually in an hour and a half) . The FAA disagrees and explains that it placed passengers and crew at serious risk in the published Determination of Emergency.

The pilots said they “heard voices on their cockpit radio but ignored them”. For a really long time. Sophisticated cockpit avionics and planes that are able to "self land" are no excuse to disengage from Really Important Stuff. Complacency is the enemy of every pilot. Perhaps the airlines ought to review whether seniority is the best way to ensure who sits in the left seat.

The plane flew on autopilot to the last point specified by the crew, a point in mid-air at which the crew would ordinarily receive instructions from air traffic controllers about which approach pattern to use. The autopilot then displayed a notice on the electronic cockpit displays that it had run out of instructions, and the plane continued on the same heading and the same altitude, 37,000 feet, awaiting further instructions. Crew members told investigators that when a flight attendant, apparently surprised by the plane’s failure to begin its scheduled descent — contacted them on the plane’s internal telephone system, they saw the notice on their screens and realized they had flown past their destination.

and maybe flight attendants deserve a raise!

Not Convinced

It's really an F-1 Mirage and some of the back stories suggest that French ground crews amuse themselves with a game of chicken. No flinching and you can't lose your cover (hat). I'm skeptical.. Wouldn't wake turbulence have an effect on the guy standing? As well, the base MP's would stop this before it started.

If you want real and edgy Mirage fun, you might want to check this.

Who Needs General Aviation?

There’s been a lot of discussion about airport funding in recent weeks, given the squeeze on the economy. Small airports need upgrades and repairs to remain operational. Airport fuel taxes continue to fund a large part but they also benefit from federal funding.

Despite the valiant efforts of AOPA and others, to most people general aviation is the corporate high roller in their Gulfstream or possibly the rich adrenaline junkie. There are only 22 major airports in the country which the majority of travelers use. Why should tax dollars be used for smaller airports? Everyone who travels should recognize that to prevent further scheduling problems at the large airports, we need to support the landing facilities across the country that handle the corporate, law enforcement, small business, flight schools, fire fighting, air ambulance, freight haulers, so that these aircraft don’t use the large airports. All of the airport uses other than commercial passenger are still important to a strong economy. If small airports and ATC are funded by direct user fees, these industries will shrink or collapse altogether. I believe the funding system that has been working for decades can continue to work.

General Aviation includes crop dusters, overnight freight and business support. It’s the way most pilots get training. Forestry, search and rescue, firefighting, energy, and construction all depend on it. That’s why there’s over 5,300 general aviation airports in the U.S. in addition to the 600 that support scheduled flights. There’s at least 10,000 more private use landing areas and helipads.

Just as trucks place a greater strain on the national highway system, paying higher taxes and fees than family cars, airlines must carry a greater portion of the financial burden for the air traffic control system. You may never drive to the tens of thousands of small communities served by our national highway system, and you might never visit thousands of small airports that make up our aviation system. A road system that serves only 22 cites wouldn't work. Similarly, when roads and airports connect thousands of cities,we all pay a share for their maintenance.

Of course we could revert to fees with $4,400 per flight plan with an advance 24 hour requirement similar to some countries. But then, the only ones who will fly will be the rich and famous.