I’m writing in regards to your “Technique” feature articles. I’m a 14-year-old boy living in Minnesota with hopes of becoming a pilot someday. I really enjoy the tips on how to perform specific procedures in an airplane.
I like how "Technique" isolates the different aspects of the maneuver or procedure and provides a description of how and when to perform the task.
I can’t wait to see what I’ll learn next month.
Matthew Muehlbauer
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Two touchdown techniques
I have been a reader of Flight Training for 23 years. I can’t believe you published the article “Two Touchdown Techniques” in July.
With all respect to Russell Smith and his ATP experience, I feel articles like this one could get someone injured—or worse. I was trained by an exceptional flight instructor, to whom I intend to show this article. The last thing a student or low-time pilot needs is a light GA aircraft on the ground after landing with enough power to go airborn again. When asked when I last did a stall I, my answer almost always is on the last landing I made.
I have logged 1,442 landings in single engine aircraft and only a few times with significant crosswind have I needed to land with enough speed to not stall the aircraft on landing. I also have 35 years as an air traffic controller, so I have watched and processed many accident packages regarding poor landing techniques.
James E. Johnston
Rogersville, Missouri
Why did i wait?
Learning to fly is one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done and I really wish I had taken the plunge before age 50. I don't know why waiting until the kids were grown seemed like a good idea.
It amazes me how supportive the folks at AOPA are. I had no idea I was joining a family when I got my student certificate. I wish there were similar support groups and experts in other areas of my life!
Between the magazine, website, study tools, and monthly chats, I feel like I get a great value for my membership dollars. How often does that happen?
Thanks to everyone there at AOPA for all you do. My solo flight is coming—I can feel it!
Cathy Rickers
Newton, Iowa
GI Bill for training
I’m a lower-enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army, currently deployed to Afghanistan. I picked up the June copy of Flight Training at the PX, and happened to thumb directly to page 46, where you had printed excerpts from letters by Matt and Nathan regarding the use of the GI Bill for flight training (“Career Advisor: Training with the GI Bill”).
I would like to pursue a fixed-wing private certificate, with some other ratings, as I would like to add that to my résumé while pursuing a bachelor’s degree with the hopes of getting accepted to USAF Officer Training School (following the expiration of my Army enlistment contract), and thereby become a "hog driver."
As the son of a crop duster pilot, and given my experiences here in-country, I continue to gain respect and envy for those pilots who fly lower and slower, and I wish to join their ranks.
Justin Hildebrandt
Via e-mail
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