Avionics News November 2013 - 4

Many Thanks
R

ecently, I received an email from Geoff Hill, editor politicians more accountable toward the aviation community.
of Avionics News, reminding me to write the Point I'm thankful for everyone who took action on this issue.
of Communication article for the November issue. I asked
In addition, I always feel like I'm doing an injustice
if there was any particular theme desired, and he replied, to some manufacturers when I mention any particular
"Since November is the month of Thanksgiving in the U.S., company. Believe me, it's not my intention to leave
perhaps we should note the many things to be
anybody out. Having said that, keep in mind
thankful for in the general aviation industry."
that my exposure to various products may
I liked the idea and accepted the assignment.
be different than yours; I'm only reflecting
But two days later, I was still staring at a blank
on what I've been exposed during my daily
computer screen and wondered why I couldn't
responsibilities. So I'm personally thankful
come up with anything that flowed well. I was
for the very creative minds at companies like
surprised that a bunch of topics didn't just pop
Aircell, Garmin, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins
to the surface for easy pickings.
and Universal Avionics (alphabetically noted,
Gary Harpster
And then, it hit me. I have become so
of course, so no phone calls, please). Due to
accustomed to looking for solutions to problems.
the creative individuals at these companies,
I likely am not alone in this respect. By human nature, most avionics shops like Duncan Aviation have exceptional
people with a decade or more of work experience don't products to sell. Even though the mandates haven't actually
usually dwell on what's working; we see things that aren't taken hold yet, these companies have marketed solutions for
working and concentrate on fixing them.
the industry that have helped the bottom line.
As a result, I haven't taken the time to consider all the
There are many additional companies that have done the
positive things happening in our industry on a daily basis, same thing, and I am indeed thankful for their ingenuity,
much less be thankful for them. Too often, we only notice creativity and marketing skills. Our industry was founded
things that could be better, which is not a bad trait on its by a few pioneers with a vision of what the world would
own merit. But at the same time, perhaps we also should be like if their respective creations were unleashed. I'm
take note and be thankful for the many blessings and thankful these individuals were able to overcome the
opportunities that we do enjoy in our personal lives and our obstacles they encountered and, much like the folks in
work, rather than always focusing on what we don't have or Oshkosh, made a dream come true for thousands of people.
what's not working well.
So look around and be thankful. As AEA President Paula
After adjusting my own perspective, it became much Derks asked during this year's AEA Convention in Las
easier to identify a few things to be thankful for in our Vegas, "What's working for you?"
industry. Let's begin with the annual AirVenture in Oshkosh,
Have a joyous and happy Thanksgiving!
Wis., which attracts 10,000 aircraft and 500,000 attendees.
Those are impressive numbers no matter how you look at it.
Yes, I'm aware of the outstanding bill of nearly $450,000 the
Federal Aviation Administration stuck AirVenture with for air
traffic control services. But this action spurred a lot of people
GARY HARPSTER
to sign petitions and protest this action, and more people are
Chairman, AEA board of directors
becoming keenly aware of the need to hold state and local
Duncan Aviation, Lincoln, Neb.

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Avionics News November 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News November 2013