Letters

Saving Wings

What a great piece on Wings Field! (" Protecting Wings," May Pilot) Having grown up scarcely 13 miles away in Bryn Athyn, the story had a special relevance for me, and I can't tell you how thrilled I am that the airport proponents won out over the local detractors.

It was quite a herculean effort that became a nail-biter at the wire. I particularly enjoyed the historical angle, and the part about the lawsuit filed to regain federal funds and wrest the field's future away from those who would see it shrivel was the stuff of epic triumph.

Unless I miss my guess, now that federal funds have been allocated for improvement, the airport can never be closed.

That's one for our side. Great job!

Carson Tyler AOPA 1402064
Aliso Viejo, California

As a young boy, I seem to remember my dad calling me "Prop Wash," and now I know the connection to the name. I spent many days as a lad sitting on the fences and benches at Wings Field anticipating being the first to spot the distant speck in the clouds, in hopes that it was my dad returning from somewhere.

I thoroughly enjoyed the article in the latest issue of AOPA Pilot and now have a better understanding and appreciation of the history I lived through but never thought about at the time.

Stephen P. Griffing
Cheshire, Connecticut

Griffing is the son of Joanne and Kenny "Pete" Griffing featured in the article — Ed.

I thoroughly enjoyed the piece about Wings Field in the May issue. Not only does it tell a fascinating story about some very dedicated people, it also has a personal meaning to me and my family.

My dad learned to fly in the mid-1950s, and so began a whole new life for him. It also profoundly influenced his three sons to become pilots and to discover the wonders of aviation. As a ten-year-old in 1958, I took my very first airplane ride from Wings in an almost-new Cessna 195. In the late 1960s during my college years, I summer flight instructed in South Jersey and frequently flew trips to Wings. In the 1970s while at Narco Avionics, I flew a Bellanca Viking out of Wings. In the '80s while at Piper, I conducted several Cheyenne 400 flight demonstrations at Wings.

Like so many other smaller Philadelphia-area airports, I was convinced that Wings was eventually doomed. I wish to thank everyone who had a hand in not only keeping Wings open, but also in significantly improving the facilities. Now I smile whenever I re-read my dad's books and magazine articles involving Wings.

Thanks for a great story.

Doug Smith
Regional Vice President, Eastern U.S. Sales
Bombardier Business Aircraft

It's 4 in the morning and I have just finished your article regarding Wings Field's battles with the rest of the world. I am a private pilot based at Concord's (California) Buchanan Field and I guess I have it in my blood. My father was responsible for inspiring me to flight. He flew the PBY in the Aleutian Islands at the beginning of World War II. I appreciate the efforts of you and so many others on behalf of flying. It's a freedom that isn't enjoyed in very many other countries. I love flying and have taken most of my eight children for their first flights. I hope to keep the spirit alive as best I can. Keep up the good work.

Myron Hagen AOPA 1114441
Danville, California

Cardinal flier

Now you've done it. The secret's out! Kudos on a balanced article detailing the virtues and vices of our beautiful airplanes (" Budget Buys: Cardinal Flier," May Pilot).

I knew that I recognized Brian Corliss' lovingly restored 1977 RG the moment I saw the cover. Seeing his bird's evolution rekindled my affection for Cardinals. With tremendous support from Cardinal Flyers Online and AOPA we plowed through the hassles of long-distance inspection and documentation to realize the dream of Cardinal ownership last May.

James Orent AOPA 652323
Nashua, New Hampshire

I would like to thank you for the great article on one of the best IFR platform singles ever made. I have been flying N2132Q, a 1974 Cardinal RG, for about 10 years now and am truly blessed to be the owner of such a great airplane!

Tom Shriner AOPA 1002412
Annapolis, Maryland

My compliments on the excellent article on Cardinals in the May AOPA Pilot. I retired from UAL and the United States Navy reserve in 1983, and with good health I have been flying for more than 60 years and keep up my instrument rating.

My 1976 Cardinal RG was purchased in 1990 as an introduction to light aircraft. I still feel this is the ideal magic carpet for family travel.

Richard A. Collins AOPA 1006326
Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Kudos to you for your "Budget Buys" feature! About a year ago I had become very frustrated with AOPA Pilot. It seemed that the articles about airplanes all featured models that were way out of the realistic price range for the average pilot. But my faith in you was redeemed when you started the "Budget Buys" feature. Finally, information on planes that average pilots — with their average incomes — can afford! Please keep this feature going.

Anna Harrington AOPA 1364927
Oak Park, Illinois

I really enjoyed the Cardinal article, especially your recognition of the Cardinal Flyers organization. Without their wealth of information, I doubt that I would be the proud owner of my 1968 Cardinal.

The story of the 1968 150-horsepower model is a familiar one. The power is an issue, of course, but of even greater significance is the high drag of the original cowling on 1968 and 1969 models. Because of the nicely balanced controls, the stock 177 is very easy to fly and has adequate performance near sea level or at reduced weight at higher density altitudes. A huge performance gain is achieved with a $1,000 modification to close the hole in the lower cowl.

Russ Wilcox AOPA 1848969
Salinas, California

Appalachian weathermakers

Great article on weather in the Appalachians (" Wx Watch: Appalachian Weathermakers," May Pilot). I only wish I had read it a week earlier.

I took my first flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, in April. It was hot and hazy but a good VFR day to fly. When I left Charlotte on Sunday morning, I filed an IFR flight plan to Martinsburg, West Virginia. As I approached Lynchburg, the weather started to deteriorate rapidly and a call to flight watch did not give me any hope of getting to Martinsburg without encountering thunderstorms and moderate chop over the mountains. I just made it into Lynchburg before the heavy rains began and spent the night there waiting for the weather to improve.

You are right. This is a small mountain range, but the weather over the Appalachians can be as mighty as anything I ever encountered out West.

William Heffner AOPA 1304545
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Flying and driving

I enjoyed John S. Yodice's article " Flying and Driving" ("Pilot Counsel," May Pilot) because I agree that FAR 61.15 is a scary regulation that leaves a pilot confused.

When I received a DUI at age 19, the first thing that went through my head was "my career is ruined." After days of panic thinking that my pilot certificate would be revoked or I would lose my medical, I got clarification from the FAA by calling the security division.

They have a hotline set up specifically for pilots who have received DUIs (405/954-4848). The nice part is that they will answer all of your questions without you having to provide them with any of your pilot certificate numbers, your name, or your social security number.

However, the best thing I can tell anyone is to think before you start to drink and have a plan on how to get home before drinking your first drop, because your judgment is the first thing to go and too many people die every year from drinking and driving!

Robert Carter AOPA 3914083
Englewood, Colorado

Keeping GA aloft

I just returned from successfully completing my checkride and I'd like to thank AOPA for being so informative, especially over the months I have been training. I began my foray into aviation in late August 2001 and planned to pursue my certificate around my work schedule. Well, we all know what an impact the events of September 11 had on everyone, especially on general aviation and aspiring pilots like myself. Without the constant and clear information and efforts of AOPA, my training would have been more muddied and extended.

My checkride was executed out of Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland. AOPA has championed this airport, and so do I. Once again, thank you AOPA.

Ian Mariano, AOPA 4157553
Cleveland, Ohio

Erratum

In " Aviation's Dirty Little Secret" (June Pilot) the statement, "We have met the enemy and he is us," was mistakenly attributed to Al Capp. In fact, that statement appeared in the cartoon Pogo by Walt Kelly.

We welcome your comments. Address your letters to: Editor, AOPA Pilot, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Send e-mail to [email protected]. Include your full name, address, and AOPA member number on all correspondence, including e-mail. Letters will be edited for style and length.