TC FREEMAN's WingsOfun.com BLOG for "Keeping the Fun in Flying!": WingsOfun.com Newsletter #35: March 10, 2014

WingsOfun.com Newsletter #35: March 10, 2014

WELCOME PILOTS

I had the opportunity to attend a seminar on fly-by-wire systems now being used in smaller aircraft. Before you get too excited, we are talking about small jets, not the piston poppers. Interestingly, the company pushing this new technology was basically on a mission to sell long-time corporate pilots on fly-by-wire systems. In the past these systems have been exclusive to large, airline-type and military aircraft. I usually stay away from subjects such as corporate aviation because that not what we are all about here at WingsOfun. However, with all of the techno-brains we have out there in sport flying I wonder why we don't yet have fly-by-wire systems in small aircraft? Stay tuned next week when we discuss this subject.

This week’s article is admittedly a little out-of-the-box for me, but please give it a fair chance. The metaphor deals with the construction of an eagle statue and ultimately has a positive message.

~TC Freeman

Aviation Speaker & Author

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NEW PRESENTATION

“PILOT AND AIRCRAFT PERFORMAN

www.WingsOfun.com/books (products page)

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PILOT SAFETY MINUTE VIDEO #35 ~ BUZZING MATTERS I

http://youtu.be/YA0EuDSdWnk

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AN EAGLE LAUNCH, A METAPHOR

By TC FREEMAN

I was watching an inspiring video that author Dan Miller (48 Days to the Work You Love) produced regarding a project they were working on for their career workshop facility.* The idea was to work with a sculpture artist on the construction of an eagle that would be a metaphor for their customers that are making the jump to another career. The artist kicked around a few ideas, such as having the eagle in flight with its wide reaching wingspan or having the eagle sitting proudly on a branch ready for flight. Then inspiration struck, why not put the eagle in the position where it has just let go of the branch and is at the point of being totally committed and focused on where it is going in flight.

The metaphor for career-changers is beautiful and poetic in my opinion. Being steeped in aviation I couldn't help but thinking about how this applies to those learning to fly. Sadly, the flight training industry is suffering from an 85% drop out rate. We could spend all day talking about the issues with flight schools, flight instructors and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. On the other side of the coin is the student. Some say that the current generation doesn't have the persistence to see a challenge of earning a pilot’s license (certificate) through. Others state that the “everyone gets a trophy” mentality is coming back to bit us by shirking the important lesson of failing until you succeed. Personally, I don't think we give people enough credit for their ability to focus when the motivation is true.

Artist Scott Stearman (yes that's his name, I can't make this stuff up) mentioned that the process of constructing the eagle is not beautiful at all points of the process. During the early phases he admits that the array of piping, clay and wires can look like a “sick chicken.”However, Stearman adds that the final product isn't possible without the “ugly stage I work through.”

The parallel for pilots is that we have all experienced the “ugly stage” where we are trying to master a certain maneuver or learn how to fly a new aircraft. With a little time awkwardness is replaced with grace and efficient movements.

My message to the brand new student, or the long time pilot back in the cockpit from a long hiatus, is to remember the eagle that has just launched. Your senses are alive, focus is sharp and there is no turning back. It's time to go forward, totally committed. You won't regret it!

About the author:

TC Freeman has been flying since he was a teenager and is now an aviation speaker and author. Being employed as an Aviation Safety Specialist for state government, he has passion for spreading the thrill of flying just for the fun of it via the website, www.WingsOfun.com.

*While not aviation, see the Dan Miller/Scott Stearman video on constructing an eagle at: http://youtu.be/ePEwbkaoRxE

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NATIONAL TAKE FLIGHT DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2014

www.NationalTakeFlightDay.com

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OPERATION: FLY NC NEWS

Discuss OP: Fly NC with fellow pilots at: http://tinyurl.com/opflync

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Upcoming Events: Good for OP: FLY NC stamp/signature, most posted to:
www.SocialFlight.com

Saturday, March 15, 2014 (Noon – 3:30 p.m.) B Bar D Flight Training (Allegro), Raleigh Executive South Jetport (TTA). Contact: B Bar D at: (919) 775-2224. Schedule:

12:00-1:00 Potluck and Hangar Flying
1:00-1:30 Black Pilots of America presentation by Mo Haleem, who is head of the local chapter and a future CFI!

1:30-2:15 Untowered Airport Operations presentation by Tom Freeman

2:15-2:30 Dynon introduction presented by Ross Kennedy, Chief Flight Instructor, B Bar D Aviation

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IMPORTANT AUDIO PRESENTATION AVAILABLE:

“OPERATIONS AT NON-TOWERED AIRPORTS”… for pilots flying just for the fun of it.

With the issue of sequestration, the shut-down of many Air Traffic Control Towers is a possibility. Regardless, it is important to know how to safely and efficiently operate at Non-Towered Airports. In this audio book TC Freeman discusses; straight in approaches, dealing with aircraft on extended downwind and traffic pattern entries.

Available at: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tcfreeman

(Run time: 34 minutes)

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FLIGHT TRAINING NEWS

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