Page 40 - Dec 19 TNT

story, that they and their little dog Toto will die in a huge ball of fire, is not the best option. The non-pilot public absorbs information more readily when delivered by the PIC. And the recent Citation runway accidents (Citation Excel at OVE – 6,020 ft. runway, and a Citation Latitude at 0A9 – 4,529 ft. runway) highlight the need to talk to our passengers just like we do at the airlines about emergency exits and follow- ing the instructions of crewmembers. Though sometimes frightening, passengers want the truth. But try not to scare the crap out of them. Or their dog.
November: All the Leaves Are Brown – Eleven Pipers, None of Them Named
After Indians
“Flying with a Summer Brain and an Autumn Body”
This year I drew a New Mexico hunting permit in an area in which the elevation ranges from 8,000 feet to over 12,000 feet. Since my office for 85 hours each month is at about an 8,000-foot cabin altitude, I figured a high altitude, wilder- ness hunt on horseback would be doable for this 63-year-old, soft-skin, flat-land Gringo. I’m a healthy airline pilot; how hard could it be?
Next September marks 30 years since I last flew the F-16. That day, on my 34th birthday, I remember wondering if I had squeezed every bit of training and fun out of my
f lights. I felt the same emotions when asked how I felt about delivering an MD-80 to Roswell. After 57 years in airplanes, four engine failures and a plethora of system problems, you gain a perspective on the metaphysical magic of the machine. As you age, evaluate and monitor your own fly- ing ability and proficiency, and don’t let time slip you by. And after your next flight when no one is looking, let a little California Dreamin’ into your heart and give the airplane a kiss on the nose. You will be glad you did when all your leaves are brown.
December: Twelve Days of Christmas – Drumming Along Like a Wright R-3350
There you have it. Feel free to email me if you would like a PDF of any articles, and we’ll talk again in 2020. Merry Christmas, my friends.
Kevin Dingman has been flying for more than 40 years. He’s an ATP typed in the B737 and DC9 with 23,000 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 volunteer missions for the Christian organiz 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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38 • TWIN & TURBINE / December 2019