Bling

As I write this, the annual Sun n Fun Fly-In is ongoing at the Lakeland (Fla.) Linder Regional Airport, less than two hours away from me by car. I spent opening day there and will be returning as soon as I put the finishing touches on this issue. Even sun, fun and airplanes must wait when deadlines approach. My full day on the show grounds was spent mostly shopping. Events like this are great opportunities to stock up on airplane consumables-I bought some spark plugs, hydraulic fluid and other odds and ends at great prices-as well as drool over the latest and greatest offerings from a wide range of vendors. Owning and operating an airplane is never for the faint of heart, and finding good deals on parts and supplies leaves more scarce cash laying around for important stuff like $5.50/gallon fuel and unscheduled maintenance.

Key Takeaways:

• Many pilots exhibit a "false economy" by spending on non-essential cockpit gadgets ("bling") instead of crucial safety equipment.
• Portable oxygen systems are surprisingly affordable—often less than a tank of fuel—and vital for mitigating the insidious dangers of hypoxia.
• Pilots should prioritize essential flight safety items like oxygen, current charts, and maintenance over optional accessories.

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