If you are like me, as the New Year begins, we reflect on the year past and then think about what we might do in the coming year to improve our lives. Under the banner of New Year's "resolutions," these pledges are often so ambitious that they are difficult to keep.
During this past year, many pilots I've met and spoken with around the country ask what I would suggest individual pilots do to improve the prospects for general aviation. In effect, my answer could be thought of as a set of resolutions for the coming months ahead. I recommend these actions because they are relatively modest goals. They are not so far- fetched that they will be discarded or forgotten. While modest, if each of us were to pursue these as we fly and discuss aviation with others, our future might just become a bit brighter.
There are three major components to my 1993 suggestions for aviation resolutions: safety, involvement, and spreading the word. Each provides individuals opportunities for success and some immediate gratification in the process.
First, resolve to fly more safely. The general aviation accident story is relatively positive. In 1991, the last reported year, there were only 6.9 accidents and 1.3 fatal accidents for every 100,000 hours flown. While an impressive record, that still leaves pilots a continuing goal to improve. We need to eliminate fatal accidents, in particular (some 414 in 1992). In many cases, our resolve in this category starts before we ever leave for the airport. It means thorough flight planning as to route, alternatives, and proper charts. With one third of all GA accidents weather related, we must all resolve to obtain comprehensive weather briefings. For the most part, the telephone delays that plagued our flight service station system during the modernization program have been eliminated. DUAT and the many private computer-based weather briefing systems provide instant access to the same information that FSS briefers use, including real-time radar images. Perhaps you might personally resolve to learn how useful these new products can be, if previously you haven't had the opportunity to use them. And as foolish as it reads, many accidents are caused by fuel contamination or exhaustion, so resolve to make fuel management an extra precaution in the coming year. Be diligent in your training regime, and set up a regular program of recurrent flying — formal with a flight instructor at some interval, and informal with a safety pilot at other times. Most importantly, adhere to the schedule you set, and don't let it slide, as so often we do. Reducing accidents is an individual action we can all take that can result in a brighter future on the liability and insurance fronts.
Second, resolve to become more involved locally and politically in shaping general aviation's future. Being a member of AOPA is a great start, but we all must take the opportunity to support the local airport. If there is already an airport association and you are an active member, then check this resolution off as fulfilled. If you are not a member, then join. And if there is no association, make 1993 the year to establish one. AOPA can provide you all the details in our new "Airport Packet" of materials, which includes all the legal forms and step-by-step instructions on how to establish such an entity.
While weather is one of our greatest enemies in Resolution One, apathy plagues the general aviation community when it comes to involvement. When necessary, write the FAA and state, city, or county government about a specific issue. No one knows better than those of us at AOPA how important these letters can be in shaping opinion. We are constantly battling city councils, mayors, or airport managers who propose to ban overflights or impose curfews in direct defiance of federal statutes.
Third, I would ask you personally to spread the word about general aviation. You can help to promote and foster the future of GA in your locale. Think back to when you first were introduced to flying. It may have been through a relative, but oftentimes, it's a friend or acquaintance who shares his or her enthusiasm for lightplanes. Spread the word about GA's fun and efficiency and its economic contribution to your community. Help to cultivate an interest in aviation among business associates, neighbors, and, particularly, youth. Once again, you can request that AOPA send you our new, colorful Fly-A-Friend/-Controller/- Reporter/-Leader brochures, which make this resolution easy to keep. Also, don't forget to ask for a supply of "First Flight" certificates, suitable for framing, which become a prominent reminder to the recipient of the joy shared with you in flight. Carrying out this resolution, you can't help but destroy the myth about general aviation being a rich person's hobby. My wife and I like to point out to nonpilot friends that our 1977 Cessna 172 is less expensive than many of the cars they own.
Aviation New Year's resolutions can be achievable and quite rewarding. With more than 300,000 AOPA pilots resolved to personally fly safer, get involved, and spread the word, 1993 will be off to an excellent start.
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