February 12, 2014
Dear EAA, Chapter 582 Members and Friends:
As Chapter 582 opens the New Year, we begin to organize our activities for 2014. In my January statement, I began to lay out our “Flight Plan” as I introduced our new website and Member Portal.
As we all know, the world of aviation is changing. Over the past decade, the ever increasing fuel prices, insurance premiums and federal regulation have crippled general aviation. Sadly, the days of heading out to the airport to do a few “touch and goes” or fly over to Sandusky for lunch are almost gone.
Affordable, recreational flying as we once knew it, has all but dried up… and along with it went many of the things we used to do with our airplanes to staying current.
As private pilots, we relied on these “Saturday afternoons” not only keep our flying skills sharp but our aviation knowledge current. The airport provided us and general aviation an environment where pilots could talk and learn from one another.
Sharing the experience of another pilot’s “mistakes”, even in conversation, made you a better pilot when you were the “pilot in command” of your own ship.
My point to all of this is: as aviation changes, pilots also need to change. Specifically this includes the way we train and keep ourselves proficient.
If you intend to pilot an aircraft, then you need to recognize your need of continuing education. By remaining involved, either by actually flying, taking class, reading or listening, you keep your knowledge current and yourself safe. If you love flying and I know you do…. then you owe it to yourself and your family to stay proficient.
There are many ways to accomplish this task but I believe the most effective way is a combination of many avenues.
Learning is a collaboration of efforts. Of course time spent in the airplane is agreeably the most valuable, but again, maybe not the most cost effective or efficient. It was once said, “You learn to fly on the ground, not in the cockpit of an airplane” and I find this to remain true today.
Here is where I ask you the simple question, “Have you renewed you EAA Chapter 582 Membership yet?”
I believe your EAA membership may be one of the single best investments you can make in your flying. If you’ve only ever viewed our Chapter 582 as a “social club”, then I ask that you reconsider your thought. I believe your EAA Membership is your door to opportunity and education. You just need to, again recognize it and step through.
As a member you have access to a facility and learning center that is second to none. From here, members can learn about aircraft design, building and engine repair.
Our Chapter learning center allows you to participate in FAA related seminars, enroll in continuing education classes and view safety videos offered via our new Website and Member Portal.
Our website alone offers you the ability to stay in touch with the changing aviation world. With the click of a mouse you can read current aviation blogs or ask questions of other pilots about “cold starts” or “flooded engines”. You can follow aviation threads where you can renew your medical or file a flight plan.
Even the chapter simulator offers our members an affordable alternative (it’s free) to staying current. You can practice working in instrument conditions while “shooting an approach” right down to the minimums without burning a penny of gas!
And, although you may have never considered it, how about teaching a class? On, “what” you ask. Then I will say, “On something you know nothing about!”. Teaching is another excellent way of educating yourself while helping others to learn. Time in the classroom, either from behind the desk to in front of it, keeps you current and your knowledge fresh.
Your EAA membership offers you useful, hands on learning that may someday save your life… and that’s a fact.
So, if you are serious about your flying… then you need to be serious about your training… You need to find new ways to keep yourself proficient.
Chapter 582 offers opportunity and an environment to learn.
All you need to do is recognize your need.
Get involved, stay informed! Stay safe.
Tom Park
President, EAA Chapter 582
And finally, for our members who no longer climb in to the cockpit, for those of you who just enjoy being around airplanes and want to give something back. How about getting involved with our Young Eagles Program? Watching a youngster go for his (or her) first airplane ride…. Well, is moving. I guarantee, not only is it fun; it is rewarding. We could use your help.