Pilot Proficiency

Examining Decades of Accumulated Aviation-Related Treasures

Monday, June 18, 2018 at 06:00 PM ET

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Come into Dick Karl's house. He has a lot of airplane stuff in here. Philippe Lechien

Key Takeaways:

The author deeply cherishes a wide array of aviation memorabilia, from everyday items like pens and keychains to significant pieces like signed photographs and detailed aircraft models.
These collected items are valued not for their monetary worth but as "treasures" that evoke powerful memories and experiences from his extensive flying career.
Each piece, whether a pen from a specific flight or a model of an airplane from a check ride, serves as a tangible link to significant moments, aircraft, and people in his aviation journey.
Ultimately, the collection allows the author to revisit his past adventures, accomplishments, and profound passion for flight, stirring his soul and taking him back in time.

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“Hey, can you hand me a ballpoint pen?”

Dick Karl is a cancer surgeon who appreciates the beauty and science involved in both surgery and flying. Dick’s monthly Gear Up celebrates the human side of flying. He writes about his enthusiasm for both the machines and the people who fly and maintain them.