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This wider perspective is a necessity and is due to an understanding of the cause and effect of planetary airf low, the heating and cooling of oceans and landmasses, the circulation around high and low-pressure systems and the relationship of temperature, pres- sure and dew point on the creation of weather and that lightning f lash. We also have a keenly developed apprecia- tion, respect, and rightfully so, a fear, of the components inside of the storm: wind shear, intense rain, ice, hail and tornadoes. Because of our physical and mental perceptions, the level of un- derstanding extends across multiple disciplines and encompasses aspects of flight beyond just the airplane and weather. From topography, fires, earth- quakes, floods and social gatherings, to riots and war, we see and perceive a plethora of information and events from our perch above the earth.
The Contemplative Exercise of an Artist
My unauthoritative psychological assessment is that pilots share a com- mon personality trait: We like the in- terdisciplinary relationship between the science and art of flying. We enjoy merging the distinctly different and sometimes contrasting disciplines and enjoy the multi-faceted gratification of flying an airplane: the preparation, planning, scheduling, decision making, responsibility, coupled with the artful execution and finally, the completion of the mission. Oftentimes, in fact, we enjoy the completion component the most; the “post-flight pause” while closing the hangar door. Sometimes we are covertly grateful, like Gus Grissom, to have not “screwed the pooch,” espe- cially if we got away with a mistake that could have been costly. We gaze at the machine in gratitude, knowing that it is the one that performed the real work, as it once again overlooked our minor mistakes in the execution of a sometimes complex and demanding flight. We admire its form and func- tion, engines crackling, imagining that our machine is resting, like a horse after a run, the artistic creation that facilitates our flight. Maybe we say a word or two of admiration to the air- plane out loud. Just as we mumble to our golf ball, the fish in a lake and to
ourselves during a checklist. Let non- pilots believe that it’s the contemplative exercise of an artist.
To sit back hoping that someday, someway, someone will make things right is to go on feeding the crocodile, hoping he will eat
you last – but eat
you he will.
– Ronald Reagan
Many in GA have not been flying much lately. Remember, it’s okay to fly for enjoyment, to take advantage of the freedom, control and efficiency. We need not be ashamed and our motives need not be cryptic. Failing to exercise and defend our freedom of flight is hoping that regulators, insurers and the tax-man will eat us last – but eat us they will. Shall we demonstrate our
commitment to GA and f ly somewhere just because we can, while we still can? A couple-thousand-dollar pancake breakfast or a hamburger for lunch, a fishing excursion, a skiing trip or dinner in another country? For those in my neck of the woods, how about finding somewhere warm to play golf? Hire a crew if you want, but good luck separating your heart from the ma- chine and your head from piloting. But no matter where you sit in the airplane, it’s better than being eaten.
Kevin Dingman has been flying for more than 40 years. He’s an ATP typed in the B737 and DC9 with 28,000 hours in his logbook. A retired Air Force major, he flew the F-16 and later performed as an USAF Civil Air Patrol Liaison Officer. He flies volun- teer missions for the Christian orga- niz tion Wings of Mercy, is employed by a major airline, and owns and operates a Beechcraft Duke.Contact Kevin at dinger10d@gmail.com.
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March 2021 / TWIN & TURBINE • 25