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Let's talk about Tell Me Why We Fly...

Jason,

I have returned to flying training after a 15+ year delay. Family, work and travel have all come first.

I have been considering throwing in the towel again after heavy commitments have meant little time for flying.

Listening to your "Why we Fly" episode on my Car Radio [via iPod] while on my way to the Aerodrome really confirmed for me why *I* fly...

Thanks. A great episode that spurred me on an REMINDED me why *I* fly.

2.2 hours later and life looked a whole lot better.... Thanks again.

Cet.

Cet,

Thanks for saying so! That sure feels good

Fly your best,
Jason

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"To Live is To Fly" - Townes VanZandt
www.thefinerpoints.net
jason@thefinerpoints.net

Flying has never been a magical or breathtaking thing for me. I hear a lot of people talk of their first flights in a small plane as amazing and unbelievable. On my first lesson, I felt right at home. Maybe it was because I had already traveled quite a bit on airlines by that time, but who knows. I find my enjoyment in flying through the sense of accomplishment and the challenge it offers. It takes a lot of hard work to fly a long cross country, but that night when you get home and realize what you accomplished, it's priceless. I also like to think there is still a romantic element to flying. It's few and far between in todays heavily regulated flying environment, but every once in awhile you feel it. It could be flying into the sunset with an AM station crackeling over your ADF reciever. It could also be that quiet moment pulling the airplane out onto the ramp in the calm of early morning. As soon as I can't enjoy the simple things like this, you probably won't see me flying.

-Brett

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Planes and Such: http://www.flickr.com/photos/70068841@N00/

I really enjoyed this episode and wanted to contribute a few resources that have fueled some of my dreams for flying destinations.

The Pilot Getaways magazine mentioned in the podcast is a great resource. Here is a link to the magazine website: http://www.pilotgetaways.com/ I should just subscribe, but not subscribing gives me excuse to stop by my local pilot shop to pick up a copy when the new issue arrives

There is a great article in the current issue on efforts to save recreational airstrips in Montana, California and Arizona. I am glad to know people are working to preserve such airstrips. The organization leading the effort is the Recreational Aviation Foundation ( http://www.recreationalaviationfoundation.org/ )

Another video that I enjoyed was about the mountain airstrips in Idaho, called Idaho Exposed. I believe the video was funded in part by a grant from Wolf Aviation Fund. Check it out at http://www.griffinstudios.tv/ I am looking forward to visiting some remote airstrips, after I get that mountain flying checkout.

Thanks for the links...as a CFI, my flights are usually training...and really a job (a fun one though). It is nice to be reminded of the freedom and just beauty of what we can do.
I recently had a pleasure flight up north and spent the day flying around a snow-covered Mt Shasta- really quite breathtaking. I have also thought more about camping, after all, the summer is here.

anais

I've just starting going through the podcasts from the beginning (very good!). As a new pilot, episode #36 and the question "Why do some quit flying after they get their certificate?" was something I could relate to. Like many I started this as a new way to have fun and find a sense of freedom. It was either flying or a Harley. While I do enjoy flying, what I learned through the training program was there is not a lot of time or latitude for having fun and even less for a sense of freedom. There is a thick book of regulations, strict requirements on communication, you're trained on sanctity of airspaces, you've got to hold course and altitude, there's all the stories of an FAA agent knocking on your door because you flew where you won't supposed to. Anytime in training that I started to enjoy the scenery during training, my instructor would get on my case for getting "behind" the plane. I expect as I improve, staying ahead of the plane and adhering to the rules will become more automatic giving me more time to enjoy the freedom. At least that is what I'm am now waiting to see.

What do you think? Is this a common problem for new pilots? How do you enjoy "the freedom of flight" without compromising safety?