Aviation

Phillip A. Covington

Personal Web Site

My father went from school to the Air Force, and I was born on an Air Force base. He was also nice enough to take me for my first flying lesson when I was still just a kid. Maybe that had just a little something to do with my interest? Regardless of what sparked it, I've had an interest in both full-scale and RC (Remote Controlled) flying for as long as I can remember. I completed the requirements for my Private Pilot's license some time ago, got busy with work (familiar story), and am anxious to resume and pursue an instrument and commercial rating. I don't have a bumper sticker on my car that says: "I'd rather be flying!" (I don't like bumper stickers!) But, I really would rather be flying!

[Home] This page last updated 17-Jan-1998

General Aviation The term "General Aviation" refers to the thousands of corporate and individually owned aircraft. Many people aren't aware that without General Aviation (or "GA," as it's known) they wouldn't be able to enjoy the ease of commercial air travel that we all take for granted today. Speaking of which, aside from the fact that piloting your own aircraft is much more fun than sitting in Coach, or even First Class, it's MUCH more convenient, and often faster! True, commercial airliners are faster than most privately owned aircraft. HOWEVER, when flying by small aircraft you don't have to bother with a ticket agent; get a limo to the airport or go through the hassle of parking your own car; wait for a skycap to check your luggage; wait in a long line to go through the security checkpoint (and take your notebook computer out and turn it on, etc.); sit around at the gate waiting for the plane (possibly getting bumped from the flight); sitting next to someone that "didn't take the Robotussin;" and then having to do it all over again when you arrive at your destination! In addition, commercial airliners are routinely subject to long delays on the ground before departure and at the destination. So, believe it or not, small aircraft often really will get you to your destination faster than a commercial flight! And certainly with a lot less hassle! Discovery Flights In the 1980s when General Aviation was at its peak Cessna started pushing what they called "Discovery Flights." For a special, low fee a person interested in learning to fly could get a one-hour, combination introductory flight and flying lesson. Most good flight schools still make a similar introduction available. In order to learn to fly, or take an introductory flight, you'll need to locate a certified flight instructor and/or school. You can do that by looking in your Yellow Pages, or perhaps checking with your local college. The AOPA (see below) is also a great source of assistance. There you will learn about how much time you'll need to invest in order to learn to fly, and the cost. And, yes, it's true that flying is expensive. However, not that much more so than any other "expensive" hobby. Perhaps You'd Like To Learn More? Whether you've already decided you might want to learn to fly, or you just want to learn more, my first recommendation would be to join the AOPA (Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association). The AOPA is the oldest and most respected General Aviation association. They have not only done a great deal to benefit GA and individual pilots, but commercial air flight as well. Membership is only $39 and includes, among many other things, a subscription to their outstanding magazine AOPA Pilot. So, for little more than the price of one of the only two leading aviation magazines, you also get a membership in a great organization that can assist you every step of the way. The AOPA's Web site is included in the list of aviation links below. Why Are Some People Nervous About Flying? Human nature! There is no other explanation! It is a well-known fact that aviation has one of the best safety records when it comes to transportation, yet there are still people who are "nervous about flying." Now I know that if I say "the most dangerous thing most of us do every day is get into an automobile," you'll probably be thinking: "I've heard that before!" But are you REALLY aware of just how safe flying is? Did you know that it is safer than almost all other activities, period? So, as I said, I guess it just goes back to human nature. People are also scared of spiders, bugs, etc., too, even though humans outweigh them by a ratio of millions to one! If you're still not convinced, check the numbers for yourself. Below is a link to the National Safety Council's Web site. They aren't related to the FAA, they just record the numbers, for ALL accidents. You will be surprised to learn just how dangerous life is here on the ground! Speaking for myself, as I said earlier, I'd rather be flying!

Aviation Resources AOPA (Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association) EAA (Home of The Oshkosh Fly-In) NSC (National Safety Council)'s Statistics Page

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