Alexb2000
En-Route
Reading these posts over the years one could easily come to the conclusion that flying is the most difficult thing a person could ever endeavor to do.
We have the regulation arguments, and many quotes from the FAR/AIM or controllers handbook(you read that every night before bed right?). Trumped by letter from the administrator. (you get all those dating back to 1965 right?). Further trumped by "secret" interpretations that only a few insiders know, if you don't know, then you are exactly the kind of person that those in the know are out to get. They also clearly dictate that the FAA's secret but over-riding directive is a campaign to rid the skies of anything smaller than an MD-80.
We have the "skills" arguments. There is a thread where we are on the border of suggesting a type rating for a Grumman trainer. That's right you need highly specialized training to fly a Grumman trainer, or you will probably die. Someone should build a Level D sim for those dangerous little birds.
We have the "you are not worthy" threads. So you want to fly across 100 miles of flat land with your family to visit grandma? Let me tell you something, you better have at least 2,000 hours, many ratings, a VERY capable airplane, the reflexes of a Formula One driver, and balls of titanium. This is the flying equivalent of free climbing El Capitan's Dawn Wall. Just look at all the "right stuff" , rock hard, razor sharp, types climbing into the cockpit at your local airport. Makes you want to humm the ballad of the Green Beret's every time you see a 172 taxi out.
We also have the catchall "pedantic" category. This means if someone gives a 500 word description of a flight they took, then read it carefully and point out even the slightest error. "Well I looked up the METAR at your time of flight and the altimeter reading was 30.11 not 30.10 as you claimed". Or when the poster is as detailed as a forensic accountant, just point out a grammar or spelling error to the same effect.
Last the "non-aviation" category. When you are so beaten down that you are considering turning in your ticket (sorry pedantics, certificate) just so you don't have to participate anymore. Then post something non-aviation related, Henning can set you straight regardless of topic and at least you'll get an answer.
I guess I'm just too simple minded, but flying a piston single with some good common sense just isn't that difficult, or treacherous, or crazy, or demanding of a perfect knowledge of the FAR/AIM, or…. It's just flying, an endeavor that is supposed to be fun.
Maybe we need a category for that?
We have the regulation arguments, and many quotes from the FAR/AIM or controllers handbook(you read that every night before bed right?). Trumped by letter from the administrator. (you get all those dating back to 1965 right?). Further trumped by "secret" interpretations that only a few insiders know, if you don't know, then you are exactly the kind of person that those in the know are out to get. They also clearly dictate that the FAA's secret but over-riding directive is a campaign to rid the skies of anything smaller than an MD-80.
We have the "skills" arguments. There is a thread where we are on the border of suggesting a type rating for a Grumman trainer. That's right you need highly specialized training to fly a Grumman trainer, or you will probably die. Someone should build a Level D sim for those dangerous little birds.
We have the "you are not worthy" threads. So you want to fly across 100 miles of flat land with your family to visit grandma? Let me tell you something, you better have at least 2,000 hours, many ratings, a VERY capable airplane, the reflexes of a Formula One driver, and balls of titanium. This is the flying equivalent of free climbing El Capitan's Dawn Wall. Just look at all the "right stuff" , rock hard, razor sharp, types climbing into the cockpit at your local airport. Makes you want to humm the ballad of the Green Beret's every time you see a 172 taxi out.
We also have the catchall "pedantic" category. This means if someone gives a 500 word description of a flight they took, then read it carefully and point out even the slightest error. "Well I looked up the METAR at your time of flight and the altimeter reading was 30.11 not 30.10 as you claimed". Or when the poster is as detailed as a forensic accountant, just point out a grammar or spelling error to the same effect.
Last the "non-aviation" category. When you are so beaten down that you are considering turning in your ticket (sorry pedantics, certificate) just so you don't have to participate anymore. Then post something non-aviation related, Henning can set you straight regardless of topic and at least you'll get an answer.
I guess I'm just too simple minded, but flying a piston single with some good common sense just isn't that difficult, or treacherous, or crazy, or demanding of a perfect knowledge of the FAR/AIM, or…. It's just flying, an endeavor that is supposed to be fun.
Maybe we need a category for that?
