Do you believe the Earth is warming? I do. Do you believe that man contributes to this warming trend? I do, but I don’t know how much. Do you believe that the Earth’s supply of fossil fuels is finite? I do. Do you believe that aviation contributes to climate change? I do—but not as much as other sources of greenhouse gases do. Do you believe that raising cattle contributes to the rise in the Earth’s temperature? I do. Do you like steak? I do. Do you like to fly airplanes powered by fossil fuels? I do. Well, then, that’s a problem.
Gear Up: The Prius and the Private Plane
Key Takeaways:
- The author acknowledges the environmental impact of aviation, particularly concerning finite fossil fuels and climate change, but struggles with the personal conflict between these concerns and his deep passion for flying high-performance aircraft.
- He chronicles nearly 50 years of aircraft ownership, illustrating a consistent progression towards faster, more comfortable, and more capable planes, which invariably came at the cost of increased fuel consumption and decreased fuel efficiency.
- This personal journey highlights the trade-off between modern aviation's advancements (speed, utility, safety, comfort) and its environmental footprint.
- Ultimately, the author prioritizes his personal enjoyment and experience of flying, offering a somewhat unapologetic stance despite his initial recognition of the environmental "problem."
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