LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
$6 Avgas
I JUST FINISHED MIKE Busch’s article (in the November issue), and it
was very well-written. I have read many of his articles in the past
and spent much time listening to his webinars. I greatly value (and
frequently quote) the info that he presents.
That being said, I must disagree with his most recent conclusion—“While $6 avgas is painful, it sure is a lot better than no
avgas at all.” While that may be accurate for him, it definitely
does not describe my situation. For all intents and purposes, $6
avgas is unaffordable. I find it almost impossible to justify that
kind of expense.
I have owned three single-engine airplanes over the last 15
years and have enjoyed them immensely. It saddens me to say that
a 50 percent increase in fuel price is too much. My plan is to keep
my ’ 63 Mooney for a little while longer, until the market improves,
and then sell.
I love flying and will mourn the day that I am planeless, but the
end of general aviation (for middle income folks) is here, and only
the settling dust remains. I don’t feel that Mike and many other
authors are doing general aviation any favors by trying to justify or
explain away this reality; it just injures their validity.
Mike Berg, E AA 599343, Jerome, Idaho
From EAA Forums…
Forums user WTTN 16 stirred up a bit of a hornet’s nest when posting a question (with an accompanying poll) on EAA Forums asking whether people thought texting
while flying was a good idea. The results of his poll so far show that a slim majority
of respondents think it’s safe, but it’s the comments in the thread that show the
interesting disparity of opinions. Here are some highlights from this ongoing discussion:
I would tend to think that texting while driving would be much more
dangerous. When you are several thousand feet in the air, it is less likely to
cause a problem. –WTTN 16
It’s not exactly the best idea, but then again it’s not up there with failing
to check the weather, “get-there-itis,” or the urge to do low-altitude
aerobatics either without proper training or in an aircraft not designed for it.
–Steveinindy
I should point out that it’s technically illegal (FCC rules, not FAA) to use a
cellphone in any aircraft in flight…not that it’s enforced or even enforceable.
–Dana
Texting while on autopilot is safe but … might not be legal or enforceable.
–Stan
Is there some scenario where safety of flight might be compromised if you
don’t get that text sent? –Martymayes
Remember, aviate first, then navigate, then communicate…then text.
Airport Car of the Month
THIS CAR IS SO awesome! If memory serves me correctly, it is a
1987 Mercury Grand Marquis. I have flown into L38 (Gonzales,
Louisiana) several times, and they are so nice to allow pilots to
use this piece of history! I know an ’ 87 model doesn’t seem that
old, but it will soon be considered an antique. The courtesy car at
L38 has a V-8 engine, and the exhaust sounds like it has glass
packs. Cars are just not made like this anymore. Thanks to the
FBO at L38.
Sonny Ruff, EAA 861862, Ridgeland, Mississippi
Have you seen/driven a unique airport car? If so, send a photo and information to editorial@eaa.org.
Does this mean that you ignore the FCC rule about using a cellphone in the
air, or is it that the texting is such a short burst of xmission that you think it
won’t bother anything? –Rosiejerryrosie
I would say that when I am at 7,500 feet on a one-hour leg, utilizing flight
following, I would feel very safe sending a text. –Gdtmcs
In some cases, it’s the only way to get in touch with my crew, to let them
know where I’m at and to find out where they are. –Kscessnadriver
We’re each entitled to our own opinions, not our own facts. Pay attention to
the view out the window. –Cdrmuetzel
Hang up the phone and fly. –Frank Giger
If you are flying a plane and really feel like getting out a little gadget and
typing on it, then you must be flying a boring plane or over some awfully
boring scenery. –Bill Greenwood
Technology is great, but only when common sense is applied…common sense
is … not something that should ever go out of fashion! –Joe LaMantia
Yesterday flying to my son’s I sent a text “ 10 min out” so he would know
when my wife and I would arrive. I think that is very different than carrying
on a conversation using text messages. –Mick Youmans
I have sent maybe two or three texts the entire time I have been flying. I
just hate being limited on something that could be useful when used with
common sense. –Teknosmurf
