Register

An All-American Airshow

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The author expresses a deep, often rule-bending, love for aviation and recounts humorous personal anecdotes from her time as an FAA employee, including challenging flights and disciplinary actions.
  • A central narrative revolves around the Vinton County Airshow, depicted as a cherished, informal gathering characterized by strong community, camaraderie among pilots, and a shared passion for flying.
  • The article culminates with the author's poignant experience of attending the Vinton County event shortly after 9/11, highlighting the community's resilience, patriotism, and the profound sense of American spirit found in traditions even during national grief.
See a mistake? Contact us.

As I was hefting two humongous boxes of maintenance records into the 180, I found myself thinking about the draconian FAA rules for operating a DC-3, the outta-sight fuel prices, the cost of round engines, spare parts, insurance, a hangar and maintenance. And I said to myself, out loud, “Martha, do we really want to buy this airplane?” And I answered, out loud, “You bet we do.” So the bathroom doesn’t get remodeled and the front walk stays cracked and I cut the grass and wash the windows myself. I can keep the car forever, cancel the cable and buy perfectly good jeans from Goodwill.

And, on that note, I settled on a name for this bimonthly (if Mac doesn’t fire me) column. “Flying; A Love Affair.” A good idea, but Unusual Attitudes is more accurate and descriptive.

Martha Lunken

Martha Lunken is a lifelong pilot, former FAA inspector and defrocked pilot examiner. She flies a Cessna 180 and anything with a tailwheel, from Cubs to DC-3s.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE