EAA Sport Aviation - October 2010

briefer on the phone mentioned places I had never heard of. Okay, not completely true: I’d heard of the Chattahoochee in an old country song, but that didn’t help me in this situation.

Despite our rush, Jason encouraged me to slow down and take time to brief the briefer. In situations like this, it’s a good idea to let the weather briefer know you’re not familiar with the region. This way, the briefer can better explain where the weather is and what it’s doing.

Weather is often a big learning curve for new pilots, and when you’re away from home, it is even more so. I’ve found most FBOs have similar weather-check-ing stations that are easy to use once you familiarize yourself with them. Like most things in aviation, it just takes a little practice. Now when I travel, I take every opportunity to check the weather at different FBOs in order to better acquaint myself with various tools. Another little big thing that is no longer a big thing.

FAMILY TALK

I have a toddler at home who seems to learn something new every day. Each day is a new, exciting frontier for her. I feel the same way every time I fly because I’m an aviation toddler.

Tie-down knots, self-serve fuel
pumps, and learning to check the
weather aren’t a big deal in the grand
scheme of things, but they ended up at

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRADY LANE

the top of my highlight reel this year. Why? Because when you share your chocks, teach someone how to pump gas, or patiently explain where the Chattahoochee River is, I’m reminded we are family, and for that I thank you.

Soon my little toddler will learn to tie her
own shoes, and I’ll be extremely proud of
her. I recently learned a new knot myself and
can’t wait for the day when I can teach her
that as well.

Brady Lane, EAA 808095, is a multimedia journalist
for EAA and a sport pilot. To see videos on how to
tie tie-down knots and self-serve fuel pumps visit www.
SportAviation.org.

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