Why do we fly? Are we so shallow a species that for many of us the reason is the excitement, the unique specialness? With that diminishing, are we so superficial that we give up flying? There are, of course, many motivations for potential and ongoing aviators. For some people, flying is simply a job. I really feel sorry for those unfortunate souls.
The author suggests that the perceived diminishing excitement and specialness of flying, similar to the Apollo missions becoming routine, is a primary factor contributing to declining pilot numbers, alongside financial and time commitments.
Pilots are categorized into three groups: those who fly purely for a job, those deeply passionate about flying for intrinsic enjoyment, and those who fly for utilitarian reasons like business.
The article emphasizes that the survival of general aviation depends on passionate aviators actively maintaining their interest and reawakening the "magic" of flight.
Are you old enough to remember Neil Armstrong’s giant leap? All over the world, people were transfixed in front of the nearest television. Soon, though, space flights became almost common, routine. Some of us got to the point where we didn’t even know of the next Apollo mission. They became old hat.
Ben Bishop
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