When it comes to relationships, aviation does one of two things: It either draws you together or tears you apart. There is no middle of the road.
It is a challenge to find that person who shares your passion for going skyward. For this reason, many aviators are reluctant to quantify their romantic situations for fear it could jinx them, or result in the horrible conversation, “Where do we stand as a couple?” which, I submit, is the romantic version of having ATC tell you, “We have a number for you to call.”
In honor of Valentine’s Day, FLYING magazine offers you some guidelines to help you determine your status.
You may be in an aviation-friendly relationship if:
- Your first date is going flying for the $100 hamburger.
- You have a serious talk about alternating pilot-in-command duties during flights.
- You discuss personal weather minimums.
- You make a list of places you want to fly to together.
- They put money on your account at the FBO where you rent aircraft.
- You cringe at the terms “boyfriend/girlfriend” and prefer the term copilot.
- They want to know the status of your aircraft when it is in for annual.
- Instead of roses and chocolate for gifts she prefers approach plates and VFR sectionals.
- All the chocolates, if so exchanged, are airplane shaped.
- Instead of buying them clothes, you shop for parts for their airplane.
- All your “couples photos” are taken at the airport.
- You have the same aircraft on your “what I want to fly” bucket list.
- You wear matching shirts at EAA Airventure or [insert favorite airshow here].
