Rod Machado finds the humor in flying at Expo opening luncheon

Rod Machado finds the humor in flying at Expo opening luncheon

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Aviation educator and humorist Rod Machado brought out the lighter side of flight instruction, air traffic controllers, and even military intercepts at AOPA Expo 2005's opening luncheon on Thursday. Machado, a flight instructor since 1973, noted that flight instructors get a rare opportunity to observe and anticipate all kinds of strange things, not to mention the ability to "perspire only on the right side of the face."

Machado drew the first of many laughs from the audience of several hundred when describing how some pilots "seem to have a hard time telling when they're intercepted." He recounted how a pilot of a Cherokee 140 who had penetrated restricted airspace was intercepted by a Cobra helicopter. "The pilot of the Cherokee 140 tried to peel away," Machado said. "That's why it's important to read the performance specs for your aircraft."

Machado, a columnist for AOPA Pilot and AOPA Flight Training magazines, spoke following a presentation of the Max Karant Awards to recognize radio, TV, and print journalists for excellence in general aviation reporting. He was also scheduled to host several educational and entertaining seminars during Expo.

November 3, 2005