TC FREEMAN's WingsOfun.com BLOG for "Keeping the Fun in Flying!": 2014-03-09

WingsOfun.com Newsletter #34: March 3, 2014

WELCOME PILOTS

Bob Hoover was honored at the premier of a documentary about his life last week in Hollywood, CA. I've had the honor of speaking with Mr. Hoover at the Oshkosh, WI and Lakeland, FL fly-ins. He is truly a “gentleman pilot,” always with a nice word and interesting story. Once the details are established we will let you know how to see this new documentary.

Please forgive me for my rant about renewing my airport security badge in this week’s article. In my own defense, aviation will not get better unless we speak out. I ultimately want to see aviation thrive!

Here's wishing for Spring to arrive so we can get out and celebrate National Take Flight Day on Saturday, April 12, 2014.

~TC Freeman

Aviation Speaker and Author

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NEW PRESENTATION

“PILOT AND AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE”

www.WingsOfun.com/books(products page)

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Your opportunity to continue the dialog is on Facebook:

http://tinyurl.com/woffb

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PILOT SAFETY MINUTE VIDEO #34 ~ CALCULATING

MAXIMUM CROSSWIND COMPONENT ON THE FLY

http://youtu.be/DzM5M-oftCw

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IMPORTANT AUDIO PRESENTATION AVAILABLE:

“OPERATIONS AT NON-TOWERED AIRPORTS”… for pilots flying

just for the fun of it.

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

(Run time: 34 minutes)

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MARKETING 101: MAKE IT EASY TO BUY

By TC FREEMAN

Every two years I have the pleasure of renewing my airport security badge. Due to the fact that I don't have badge renewal on my mind 24-7/365, it's good that my birthday is used for the expiration date. Who says that people who work in security don't have a sense of humor, a dark sense, but one never-the-less. Personally, I can't think of a better way to celebrate than taking time out to jump through some governmental hoops. It usually takes me two visits to get it right by bringing the appropriate paperwork.

On my first visit to the security office last month I again forgot to bring the correct identification papers, my driver's license and other governmental ID such as a Social Security card. Being a good citizen by following recommended procedure, I don't typically carry my Social Security with me (or have it “on my person” as the FAA says, that phrase cracks me up). Not giving up, I honed in on “governmental ID” and asked the nice lady behind the counter, “Governmental ID, will my pilot’s license work?” She shot back, “Nope, has to be something other than that, like a Social Security card.” Feeling a little punch drunk at that point, I was trying to get my head around this statement. So, let me get this right. I am a pilot, flying aircraft from the interior confines of the airport with the FAA's blessing and can't use my FAA pilot license (certificate) as an acceptable form of ID? I know what you are thinking, “Your pilot’s license doesn't have your picture on it?” True, but if you consult the regulations it states that it is good along with another form of approved identification such as your state driver’s license.

The staff at the security office was nice enough, but you can tell they are weary of promoting poor policy, or should I say weary of feedback as a result of the policy. In these situations I try my best to be as nice as possible because I have worked for organizations that insist that their employees administer poor policy.

As a parting gesture, a fellow (I assume the boss) put a five-page document in front of me to sign. I skimmed over it as they worked on finishing up my new ID. Frustrated at my slow progress with the document representative turned to the last page and said, “Sign here, it's just something about cars speeding on the ramp.” I signed quickly and thought, why don't they save us all some time and put on one page in 72 font, “Don't Speed On the Ramp!”*

I could go on, but will refrain to protect what is left of our collective positive disposition. The title of this article is “Marketing 101: Make it Easy to Buy.” After years of dealing with government bureaucracies with driver’s licenses, taxes, insurance (the list goes on) I have built up a tolerance for such exercises in frustration, but feel bad for the person brand new to aviation. The young folk tend to deal with this a bit better, but give it time; your patience will whittle down paper thin. I especially feel for the older demographic that is totally immune to such governmental hoops. If in their shoes I might be thinking that my time could be better spent down at the Harley store or boat dock.

*However, I did have fun looking at the “aerial pictures with the circles and arrows of the scene.” You get extra credit if you know where this quote originates.

TC Freeman has been flying since he was a teenager and is now an Aviation Safety

Specialist for state government. He has passion for spreading the thrill of flying just for

the fun of it through the WingsOfun.com website.

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