After reading, rereading and ruminating over an article on the direction of relative wind as affected by slips and skids, I still wasn’t getting it. Because I don’t have Peter Garrison’s number, I called another friend who has written extensively about all things aeronautical, and as expected, he patiently dumbed it down to where even I understood what the guy was trying to say. Our conversation then morphed into a discussion about readers who assume that because an aviation writer is so knowledgeable about the art and science of flying, he’s a de facto great pilot. My friend inferred he wasn’t—at least not anymore.
Unusual Attitudes: Head in the Clouds
Key Takeaways:
- The author, an experienced aviation writer and instructor, candidly admits to not being a "great pilot," challenging assumptions and revealing a lifetime of personal aviation mishaps.
- The article details a "rap sheet" of numerous incidents throughout the author's extensive flying career, including ground loops, minor collisions, in-flight errors, and a runaway aircraft, often resulting in bent metal.
- Despite a professional life advocating aviation safety, the author emphasizes learning from these personal "screw-ups," acknowledging the role of luck, and advocating for humility and continuous risk management.
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