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totally around its 30mm cannon. The B-52, like the C-130 and SR-71, were such versatile designs they out-lived generations of pilots. The MD-80 (DC-9) and B-737 are two of the most successful airliner designs in history. And the Shorts are known as real load haulers. The Citation line has become one of the most popular biz-jet designs ever.
Every plane is deserving of our appreciation and respect. It’s something we have to remember when talking about our planes to others. I try to start off with several compliments about someone’s aerospace vehicle before I list the things about mine of which I’m proud.
“What I Liked Best Was The Way it Smelled”
Most of us truly are like kids in candy shops when we go to an air show or look through Trade-A- Plane. So many beautiful differences and choices! From capabilities to price to looks. Classic piston, diesel, turboprop, jet, hot air, or none. Choose from fabric, wood, metal, or composite. Homebuilt, warbird, or out-of-the-box. Some call them “spam cans,” but not me though. You can also choose antique.
And don’t forget smell. You can smell car gas, 100LL, or jet; maybe butane if your power choice above was hot air. You can opt for the new
plane smell, leather, old wood or plastic. There was a story in which the writer said when discussing his Dad’s new ‘59 Impala, “What I liked most was the way it smelled.” I’m with ya. I’m one of the weirdo’s who likes the smell of everything: Testors oil paints, wet sagebrush, leather wallets, hot roofing tar, and anything new. Just NOT Ouzo (a story for another day).
It looks to me like airplanes are a bargain. Sure there’s the 100LL concern and it seems GA has to fight for airports and airspace. But if you’re thinking of buying a plane or adding to your fleet, now may be the time. For the business airplane, crunch the numbers; you may be surprised. And for the pleasure craft, just do it. When I talk to my fellow airline pilots they, more often then not, are trying to somehow justify owning an airplane. My justification for owning a Duke? I want one. Try that on for size.
We’re Still Flying
Though words may never hurt us, you know what they say about people who live in glass cockpits; they shouldn’t throw joysticks and hail stones (couldn’t resist the mixed metaphor). I challenge you to find a pilot who won’t take offense if you criticize their plane or avionics. So be nice.
If cost, politicians, or attorneys don’t take our flying from us, the
flight docs eventually will. We’ve all tasted flight and someday you will “walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.” (da Vinci). Still though for now, “we’re still flying; and that’s enough” (Malcolm Reynolds). Our flying machines, like Puff the Magic Dragon,•will one day see us come no more; let’s enjoy them all ... while wecan T&T
Kevin Dingman has been flying for 38 years. He’s an ATP typed in the B737 and DC9 with 17,000 hours. A retired Air Force Major; he flew the F-16 then performed as a USAF Civil Air Patrol Liaison Officer. He flies volunteer missions for the Christian organization 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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