Letters from our October 2018 issue

Just enjoyed “Full Circle”—nostalgic, poignant, and very personal. Barry Schiff has a talent to awaken similar memories in the rest of us. My memories were Champs also, and were, without looking, N2673E and N81513. Those were the days, my friend, and in those airplanes I learned several lessons so important that they helped to keep me out of trouble for 50 years (so far!). Thank you again from one of many whom you reach out and touch regularly.

Jeff Randolph
AOPA 846864
Grapevine, Texas

Oshkosh challenges

I just read Natalie Bingham Hoover’s excellent article, “Flying Life: Three Days with My Brother,” about taking her younger brother to Oshkosh. Thank you! I made the trek to Oshkosh right after receiving my commercial and instrument tickets. I chickened out and landed at Fond du Lac, but still had a wonderful time.

Robert J. Fleenor
AOPA 681238
Sapulpa, Oklahoma

Mentors and friends

I cannot describe my joy at seeing the wonderful story “Sailplane Magic” about my longtime mentor and friend Bret Willat and his family. It was the first issue I have seen on time in a long time, as I am a long-haul truck driver. Bret and his brother A.J. helped shape me and others into the people we are through the Explorer Scouts and as young “ramp rat” employees. As a teenager I worked for Karen and Bret as a line boy and budding mechanic, working in the shop with A.J. (who was also a longtime bush pilot). I learned a lot more than how to turn wrenches, hook sailplanes up, or to safely prop an engine. I learned about life and responsibility. The right way to do things was always the responsible way, whether it was the popular way or not. My coworkers and I had gone on to be airline pilots, Marine Corps pilots, Alaska bush pilots, and mechanical and civil engineers. I was working the day of the accident and watched his recovery until I left for the Army a couple of years later. Volumes of books can be written about him and his family, with the prankster Karen making them all laugh along the way. I don’t live near them anymore but still keep in touch with social media, and I am forever grateful to them for the personal time they have given me and others over the years. Thank you for this story sharing my friends with the world. 

Craig Daniels
AOPA 2131008
Columbus, Georgia

After reading Barry Schiff’s article in the latest AOPA Pilot magazine, I can only say that he’s hit it out of the park again. I’ve been reading his stories since back in the 1960s and like a fine wine, he just keeps getting better. —George Thomas, AOPA 875134, Marietta, OhioOn autopilot

I thoroughly enjoyed John Zimmerman’s article “Proficiency: Getting Along With George.” Stick and rudder skills are obviously key to safe aircraft operation, but I agree that the advantages of automation in the cockpit are underemphasized, especially in primary training. Flying in the busy Los Angeles basin, there were times when a simple HDG and ALT hold gave me the time to complete checklists, check navigation, set up frequencies, manage engine settings, all while scanning for the multiple Boeing 737s that ATC ws reporting. As an instrument student, I had a CFII who taught me that pilots only have a certain amount of attention to give, and any time a pilot can safely delegate a task to automation, that’s one less item demanding constant attention. As Zimmerman pointed out with the unfortunate Asiana 214 example, a lack of understanding about automation systems can be just as bad as reliance on them. Automation should complement solid basic rudder skills, not compete with them.

Aaron Zink
AOPA 7244689
Benecia, California

Stargazing

I really enjoyed Barry Schiff’s column “Proficient Pilot: Navigation, R.I.P.” As an IFR pilot who was raised on VOR tracking and NDB approaches, now flying a Cessna 172 that is 2020 ADS-B compliant, I can relate to the apprehension that would ensue should my autopilot-coupled GPS suddenly quit.

I have to say, I laughed out loud for a long time when I read that his Bendix sextant shows his home’s location hasn’t changed more than a hundred miles.

Bob Fort
AOPA 934477
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Finally, Mike Busch has unmasked the mythology of “oversquare” fervently taught (and believed) by my primary flight instructor. I knew back then it was futile to reveal to him that rpm and inches manifold pressure had no physical connection. —Chuck Jones, AOPA 873464, Sulphur Springs, TexasTouching tribute

Jonathan Sackier’s article, “Fly Well: Close to Home,” brought back memories of a co-worker and friend years ago who did this. One thing I remember was that shortly before his suicide he didn’t care about things that he normally was passionate about; his tools, for example.This was a big indicator I didn’t notice until it was too late.

Stephen Lawton
AOPA 772695
Hillsboro, Tennessee

Sackier responds: I thought this article might resonate with one or two readers out there and provide some form of solace or support. I was wrong. In the wake of publication I have been swamped with numerous emails, largely about friends or loved ones lost and missed signs:He wasn’t taking care of his tools was one.He withdrew from our flying club was another. Variations on a theme, but the end result the same. Many emails were just a chance to vent, to remember a son, father, wife. All talked of wanting to do something to help prevent this awful event touching the lives of others, hence this letter. Just as we focus, rightly so, on our skills as pilots, lets also focus on our compassion as humans and be aware of this scourge.

CLARIFICATION
“Waypoints: WAAS Factor” states, “In order to provide the most accurate position information practical, the FAA insists that the aircraft have a GPS receiver that incorporates a WAAS correction factor.” In fact, as stated later in the article, there are other GPS receivers that can supply a position source that meets the ADS-B mandate.

ERRATUM
“Just for Fun: Things that Go Bump in the Night” (October 2018 AOPA Pilot) incorrectly states that then-Wichita Municipal Airport is now Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. It is now McConnell Air Force Base. AOPA Pilot regrets the error.