Debrief /

Well-known and respected actor Treat Williams is not just another celebrity who thought flying seemed cool. Williams started flying in high school, eventually working his way to a pilot certificate in college by singing in bars and driving a cab. Although known for performances in such movies as Hair and TV shows including EverwoodX, Williams’ real passion is aviation

Started in aviation… I started in the spring of 1969. My football coach was holding my ring during a game and he lost it. He said instead of getting me a replacement ring, he would give me two flying lessons.

Favorite airplane… I love them all. My last airplane was a [Piper] Navajo Chieftain. It had a little bathroom and a coffee machine. I felt like an airline pilot. I love them all for different reasons. But if I had to pick one it was the T-6. There was a kind of oneness with the airplane. It was like flying a piece of history. I still get shivers when I hear the sound.

Close calls… I’ve had two catastrophic engine failures in my Seneca. I was flying up to Rhode Island at night. My right engine started to lose all oil pressure. When I landed the fire trucks came up to the airplane, and someone from the FAA. And before they asked if I was OK, they asked to see my license. The next morning I called the mechanic and he said, “A wrench was left in your engine.” I still have it.

Advice for students… Turn off the Garmin G1000. I would hope that CFIs are teaching their students to fly pitch and power. I think it was great to start with basic instruments. Just learn to fly the airplane and then begin to incorporate the radio and navigate. GPS can make you safer, but it will never make you better.