Page 25 - Volume 16 Number 6

is quite romantic you know. And since questions come from you, family, airport-bum friends and fellow employees asking how to go about writing, this month’s column is for the romantic-pilot-artist in you; flying and writing go together quite properly.
Little did I know that most writers are rejected dozens or hundreds of times before publication. As with flying, outsiders often try to make writing less fun, so I need to be reminded, and enjoy reminding you, to ignore them and focus on the gratification and sense of achievement from a successful mission, rather a journey in your plane, a business deal, something you built, or a writing project. A well-flown trip encompasses a plethora of disciplines: a mountain of aircraft systems knowledge, planetary weather systems, multi- national aviation airspace systems, and regulations ranging from the FAA, ICAO, and NTSB to the IRS. And never mind that it takes a decent amount of hand-eye coordination if you want that “Great landing” compliment.
It’s our personalities as pilots that leads us to enjoy the challenge and process of detailed preparation. We plan not only routes, payloads and fuel requirements to comply with regulations, customs and comfort levels, but also destination events: fishing excursions, health spa appointments, tee-times and dinner reservations. We pilots seem to have a list-making, scheduling, get-er-done persona. If you want to write, approach it as you would an aviation mission; the processes and pleasures are similar. “Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.” (Truman Capote)
BOD Meeting; Puerto Vallarta
One of the articles in Writers & Poets this month was about
endeavoring to become a writer with a capitol W. The author told of how she had been audited by the IRS because she had included her MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) tuition as a business expense, even though she had never earned a nickel writing. The story went on to tell of the many rejections she had received in attempts to become published which, in the end, is what the IRS accepted as proof she was at least trying to become a Writer. Most of us have to consider the business aspects during our flight planning as well. Sometimes it’s the flight itself generating a business expense; sometimes it’s the destination and other times it’s the activities to be accomplished at the destination. I once observed a BOD meeting in the main dinning room of a resort hotel in Puerto Vallarta. It lasted about fifteen minutes. I’m not reluctant to admit, the IRS planning and documenting part of flying and writing is not much fun.
A few advertisements in Writers and Poets are about things called “Writers’ Residencies” or “Writers’ Houses”. These are places where writers go to get away from it all; to be amongst other writers and find inspiration. The locales are typically remote with scenic panoramas, soothing background noise and benevolent wildlife to view. These venues are exactly what some of my airline layovers are – Palm Springs, Vail and Cabo for example. And there are hundreds of GA airports near places remote or scenic enough to be called inspirational – surely you have your favorites. The islands of Northern Michigan are my regulars: Mackinac, Drummond and Beaver islands and, when time permits, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon are exceptional. Like sailing, flying presents unique vistas and venues in which to write and write about. This is a great time of year to plan two or three deductible business trips in your aerospace vehicle; perhaps even go to Cabo.
Art is Never Finished
Readers have asked where to find my books, of which there are none, so I wrote my editor to tell her about the requests. Some candid phone calls confirmed that, no, Captain, you’re not a Writer, but you are a decent story teller. I may get dozens of mail for one article and little for another. Since I’m not a Real Writer that’s to be expected, but the lack of mail for any one story can feel like your birthday was forgotten; so when you begin your writing, brace for disappointments enroute. Do you have an inspirational airplane story rumbling around in your head that makes you glad you’re a pilot; a lesson, an adventure, or a dream? Fly someplace with a scenic panorama – or where you can view some benevolent wildlife – and write one. Don’t worry that your drafts may seem underwhelming and remember: When you think it’s finished, it’s not. Art is never finished, only abandoned. (Leonardo da Vinci) Maybe someone is encouraging you to write a book. Readers, family and friends continue to prod me for one – perhaps someday. Someday, that is, when the eyes can stay open on the beach, my art can be abandoned and this story teller becomes a
Real Writer. T&T •
Kevin Dingman has been flying for 39 years. He’s an ATP typed in the B737 and DC9 with 18,000 hours. A retired Air Force Major; he flew the F-16 then performed as a USAF Civil Air Patrol Liai- son Officer. He flies volunteer missions for the Christian or- ganization Wings Of Mercy, is employed by a major airline, and owns and operates a Beech- craft Duke. Contact Kevin at Dinger10d@gmail.com.
JUNE 2012 TWIN & TURBINE • 23