Unicom—April 2024

Monday, April 22, 2024 at 06:09 PM ET

Verified

Dallas Mavericks point guard used his team's plane to deliver 40,000 pounds of supplies to his native Puerto Rico in the wake of Maria. Dallas Mavericks

Key Takeaways:

Military aviation experience, particularly precise landing techniques, can significantly benefit civilian flying and flight instruction.
Aircraft owners often bear the substantial cost of recurring manufacturing defects in engine components, a burden not typically seen in the automotive industry, potentially discouraging general aviation.
Effective airmanship, even in emergencies, emphasizes a methodical, disciplined approach supported by training and checklists, rather than rushing actions, to maintain aircraft control and safety.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Military Training vs. GA

Good article by Matt Johnson in the April 2024 issue, “Military vs. GA.” The picture of the A-4 Navy Skyhawk is from my old squadron, VA-172 Bluebolts. I also became a civilian CFI after five years of active duty and three of reserve flying, and 30 years without flying.

In 2001, I took a flight review in a Cessna 150, my first time piloting a civilian aircraft. Three hours of dual and I was signed off. I believe the carrier landing experience ingrained on-speed landings firmly in my mind. The military experience also made me a better CFI.