VA Vol 4 No 6 June 1976 - EAA Vintage Members Only

WHISTLING IN THE RIGGINGby Tom Poberezny How do you rate yourself as a pilot? Ask yourselfthe following questions:- How do you rate your pilot ability?- What is your knowledge of your airplane's flyingcharacteristics?- What is your knowledge of aircraft regulations?- Do you exercise common sense during pre-flightand while in the air?- Do you respect weather?- Are you the pilot-in-command or do you dependheavily on air traffic control?There are numerous questions I could add to thislist, but the main purpose is to get you to take a goodlook at yourself in your role as a licensed pilot.The answers to these questions are going to dependa great deal on the number of hours per year you fly,whether you own your own airplane and whether ornot you are a professional pilot. But, I am sure thatafter a review of your flying activities, you probablywill rate yourself too low. Pilots, in many cases, arenot giving themselves enough credit.A strong case in point is your Annual Conventionin Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Throughout the day you willsee a mixture of aircraft in the traffic pattern varyingfrom small business jets and light twins to Bearcats,Mustangs, Taylorcrafts, J-3 Cubs and a host of singleengine airplanes. The traffic is handled safely and professionally.Common sense by controllers and pilotsalike allows Wittman Field to be the world's busiestairport for one week each year - Without mishap. Iam sure there is yet to be a visitor to Oshkosh who hasnot been completely amazed with the magnitude oftraffic and the efficiency with which it flows.Yes, credit should go to the FAA Controllers (WittmanTower and Gypsy Controllers) who work longhours. They rank with the best in the business, exemplifiedby the professional, efficient and courteousmanner in which they handle the air traffic. Instructionsare concise and to the point.But what about that pilot up there in that busytraffic pattern? He or she must react quickly to constantlychanging conditions and insure proper spacing withother aircraft of widely varying flight characteristicsand speed ranges. The pilot must monitor other trafficand be prepared to extend or shorten his pattern ata moment's notice. And most important, the pilot mustbe constantly exercising good judgment as to any unsafesituations that may arise.Pilots ... give yourself enough credit. Many ofyou are better than you think you are. For the few whomay think they are better than they really are .. . becareful. In all cases, exercise good common sense.Remember, you are the captain of the ship. Good, safeflying technique rests solely on your shoulders. Don'tever forget that.Speaking of pilots, what is being done today toencourage people to learn to fly or remain in aviation?Aircraft rental costs are becoming prohibitive for thenon-aircraft owner to learn or remain proficient. Whatenticement is there for aircraft ownership, consideringall the regulations, taxes, landing fees, and radio requirementswhich have driven aircraft costs and pricessky high. This is not to mention the inconveniencesmany aircraft owners face trying to get to their aircraftbecause of overzealous and costly airport security. Whatincentive is there for the Flight Instructor, A & PMechanic of Fixed Base Operator? Hours are long andpay is short. I am sure you have not heard of too manyA & P's or CFI's retiring at age 60 with a full benefitprogram.It's getting harder and harder to build new airportsbecause of e nvironmental rules. Development ofexisting airports must compete with highways, educationand so forth .. . hence, in many areas little is doneto the local airport. Much of it depends on the personalenergies of the FBO/Airport Manager.I am proud of the work that is being accomplishedby EAA members and chapters, deSignees, the AntiquelClassic Division, International Aerobatic Club andWarbirds. You are providing a reason to fly ... utilizationof the airplane. Through your efforts the publicis becoming more aware of aviation. Local chaptermeetings, fly-ins and your enthusiasm has rekindleda strong interest in aviation. As I have said before, thereis hardly an aviation event today where you don't seean EAA cap in the crowd.Much has been accomplished, but we've onlyscratched the surface. Your Headquarters staff is continuallyre-evaluating programs and looking for waysto promote a healthy aviation picture. Let's continuewhat is being done right and take action on what iswrong or not being done at all.To the Federal Aviation Administration, I ask: "Whatare you doing to foster and promote aviation in theUnited States?" I am asking this in a sincere, nonsarcasticmanner. Take a good look at your policies andregulations and then look at the problems and conditionof the aviation industry today.Enough said.It's hard to believe that the Annual EAA Conventionin Oshkosh is only 60 days away. Though much hasbeen done there still is a great deal of preparationfacing all of us for this year's event. We need volunteersto help prepare the site. If you can donate an hour, aday or a weekend, contact Convention site Foreman,Vern Lichtenberg at 414/233-1460.For those of you who will be flying non-radio aircraftto the Convention, please keep in mind that nonon-radio arrivals will be permitted after 4:00 p. m. Thereason for this is the air show and the heavy trafficthat results after its completion. Please plan your flightaccordingly.16