Letters

As a glider pilot and glider instructor, I was naturally drawn to your interesting article concerning the gliding program efforts at the Naval Academy (see “From Sailplane to Strike Fighter,” December 2010 Flight Training). What really got my attention was the uncaptioned picture of the sailplane in the upper right corner of page 37, in particular the N-number. I immediately recognized it as a sailplane I used to instruct in back in the 1960s.

The setting then was Wurtsboro, New York, and the organization that owned the sailplane was the Metropolitan Airhoppers Soaring Association (MASA), one of the oldest gliding clubs in the country. The sailplane is a German-built Schleicher Ka-7, which MASA acquired new in March 1961. It appears the pictured Ka-7 has a modified canopy compared to the stock aircraft, which can’t help but be an improvement; the original canopy offered limited visibility, especially from the back seat, and when crazed, was almost opaque. The forward-swept wings were also an obstruction to upward visibility from the rear seat. The sailplane was a great trainer with good glide performance. After 49 years, she’s still looking pretty good!

Don Hopkins
Aurora, Colorado

I want to compliment the entire team at Flight Training magazine. It seems like every time I get an issue, I find several helpful and interesting facts or articles. You guys do a fantastic job with the magazine. Thank you for a wonderful product.

Kennard Yamada
Apison, Tennessee

Same circus, different clowns

I’d like to comment on Wayne Phillips article, “Is it Worth It?” (November 2010 Flight Training). As a third generation, and the ninth legacy airline pilot in my family, I can tell you that it doesn’t matter where you go, it’s the same circus with different clowns running the show. It’s not the glamorous job it was in the golden age. And, like all professions, it has its ups and downs. But where else can you strap on a beautiful flying machine and enjoy the best view within Earth’s atmosphere? You’re being paid and typically working 16 to 18 days a month. The longer you’ve been at a company, the more you make and quality of life improves. 

It’s tough starting out, but isn’t it almost anywhere? For those of us who consider flying a passion, don’t let anyone tell you it’s not worth it, or to stay away from the industry. Talk with pilots who still enjoy the job. Educate yourself on the facts so you have some idea of what to expect, and most of all, keep your sights fixed, your dreams alive, and aim for the stars. It’s still the best job in the world.

Steve Hoesel
Gilbert, Arizona

Errata

The following corrections and updates are for the 2011 College Aviation Directory in the December 2010 issue of Flight Training:

• The ATP Flight School and Mountain State University degree program generally does not have VA approval.
• The ATP Flight School and Mountain State University degree program is also available in Tampa, Florida; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; and Atlanta.
• Pulaski Technical College in Little Rock, Arkansas, offers associate’s degrees in professional aviation and aviation maintenance.
• Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas, offers an associate’s degree in air traffic control.