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Friends Protecting Friends From Get-Home-/itis/

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Facing poor flying weather and "get-home-itis," the author was subtly encouraged by a friend and insurance agent, Jim, to delay his flight.
  • Jim's influence was effective because he didn't dictate action but offered practical solutions (dinner, motel, car swap) to remove all inconvenience in postponing the flight.
  • This respectful, low-key approach allowed the author to make his own decision to wait, ultimately leading to a safe flight when weather improved.
  • The author, an aviation instructor, learned that removing barriers to safer choices is a more effective and respected method of influencing pilots than direct instruction.
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With dark clouds, heavy rain and marginal visibility, the weather was lower than I like for flying over the Smokey Mountains. Hour after hour of updating radar did not yield the forecasted improvement. My friend Jim is also my insurance agent. Being concerned about any possible get-home-itis, he joined me in the FBO lobby, luring me to postpone takeoff and remain overnight.

“If you stay, I’ll take you out for a really nice dinner,” he promised. “I can deliver you to a motel and arrange for a discount.”

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