I realize some of you will be shocked to realize Im actually writing the following, but there are a lot of good things to be said about general aviations overall condition in the U.S. in 2007. Thats not to say things couldnt be better-nor is it to say Im throwing in the towel; far from it-but so much of what is the GA “experience” continues to be very, very good. In recent weeks, I had the opportunity to make several flights up and down the eastern seaboard, in good and bad weather, stopping into airports of all sizes and in many different locations. With one exception, and even including the ATC folks with whom I worked, the experience was positive. I was welcomed at FBOs, treated with respect by airport and FAA employees, and other GA pilots were cooperative, helpful and professional. At one fuel stop, the airport employee apparently pulls double-duty; he was riding a tractor up and down the runway sides, mowing grass. I was left to find the restrooms and pump my own gas, trusted not to abscond with anything in the FBOs office or tinker with hangared airplanes. It was all good. 288
The Good Stuff
In recent weeks, I had the opportunity to make several flights up and down the eastern seaboard, in good and bad weather, stopping into airports of all sizes and in many different locations. With one exception, and even including the ATC folks with whom I worked, the experience was positive. I was welcomed at FBOs, treated with respect by airport and FAA employees, and other GA pilots were cooperative, helpful and professional. At one fuel stop, the airport employee apparently pulls double-duty; he was riding a tractor up and down the runway sides, mowing grass. I was left to find the restrooms and pump my own gas, trusted not to abscond with anything in the FBOs office or tinker with hangared airplanes. It was all good.
Key Takeaways:
- The author found general aviation (GA) in the U.S. in 2007 to be in a largely positive state, with most flight experiences, FBO interactions, and professional encounters being very good, despite acknowledged challenges like FAA flight service station upheavals.
- GA is highlighted as an efficient, effective, and satisfying tool for personal transportation, offering a superior experience and freedom compared to commercial travel.
- The article emphasizes the importance of introducing new generations to the freedom and satisfaction of personal flying, encouraging current pilots to share their knowledge and passion for GA.
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