The New Owner Voices Of Flying

Stranded in Chicago?

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 02:54 PM ET

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Meigs Field was the best way to fly into Chicago for GA pilots—before it was destroyed in March 2003. [Credit: Friends of Meigs Field]

Key Takeaways:

The author frequently encountered frustration and thwarted travel plans due to scheduling conflicts and the inherent inflexibility of renting aircraft from a flying club.
An anecdote about a nearly missed rental return deadline at Meigs Field vividly illustrates the restrictive nature and time constraints of renting.
These negative experiences with renting ultimately planted the seeds for the author to pursue aircraft ownership.
Aircraft ownership provides unparalleled freedom to adjust plans spontaneously, avoid scheduling conflicts, and enjoy flying without the rigid constraints of rental agreements, a benefit described as truly sublime.

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I didn’t know who McPherson was, but I knew I hated him.

Jason McDowell is a private pilot and Cessna 170 owner based in Madison, Wisconsin. He enjoys researching obscure aviation history and serves as a judge for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. He can be found on Instagram as @cessnateur.