Flight Training - January 2013 - 4

PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

By Craig Fuller

AOPA SERVICES
THE AIRCRAFT OWNERS AND PILOTS ASSOCIATION is general aviation's advocate and the largest, most influential aviation association in the world.

PREPARE YOUR OWN AVIATION BUCKET LIST

A FRESH NEW START

INTERESTED IN LEARNING TO FLY? Visit AOPA’s engaging website for people who want to know more about what’s involved in learning to fly—and what it’s like. www.LetsGoFlying.com RESOURCES FOR STUDENT PILOTS Ask an AOPA CFI | ft.aopa.org/ask Flight Training article archive | ft.aopa.org/archive Aviation library | ft.aopa.org/library Supplemental training information | ft.aopa.org/student Virtual flight bag, including online weather and airport directory | ft.aopa.org/flightbag PILOT INFORMATION CENTER Members can receive answers to flight training and other aviation questions, and join or renew by telephone, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday | 800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) Via the Internet | ft.aopa.org/ask AOPA AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE ONLINE SAFETY CENTER Dedicated to providing general aviation pilot education and safety programs online. Via the Internet | www.airsafetyinstitute.org Call | 800-638-3101 AOPA MEMBER PRODUCTS AOPA Pilot Protection Services Program | 866-213-8777 AOPA Aircraft Financing Program | 800-62-PLANE AOPA Insurance Services | 800-622-AOPA Non-owned aircraft and CFI policies available AOPA Credit Card Program | 800-523-7666 AOPA Foundation | 800-955-9115 Other products | 800-USA-AOPA ONLINE GUIDE TO AOPA MEMBER SERVICES To join or renew, or for information about AOPA membership, e-mail inforequest@aopa.org or Visit the website | www.aopa.org/join NEW ADDRESS? Send your new address and membership number to AOPA, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701 Fax | 301-695-2375

very new year feels like a fresh new start. There’s something fundamentally appealing about the sense of anticipation and opportunity that comes when the calendar turns over. It’s a chance to say “goodbye” to the past and “hello” to the future.
In fact, we’re already moving on to the restoration of our next sweepstakes airplane, a classic Beechcraft Debonair. But that’s the beauty of a new year and a new start. It’s a chance to take on different challenges and experience aviation in different ways. My Husky may be flying without its companion this year, but that doesn’t mean it has to sit at home. I’m already thinking about how I can fit in some relaxing flights to the beach, a few backcountry adventures, and perhaps another trip to Sun ’n Fun. And I have a feeling I won’t fly alone. The friends I’ve made over the past year are as enthusiastic about this type of flying

Some goodbyes are bittersweet. We recently gave away our 2012 Tougher Than a Tornado Sweepstakes Husky. I have to admit I was sad to see it go, although I’m pleased it found a good home. I purchased my own Husky at about the same time we acquired the Tornado Husky. I was impressed by the versatility and fun this capable little taildragger could deliver. I was even more impressed by the devotion of its fans. So for much of last year, my yellow Husky and its cousin, the Tornado Husky, traveled around the country as a flight of two. We visited incredible backcountry airstrips and met wonderful people whose enthusiasm for flying is as brisk and clear as the mountain air at the

JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN'T GET IN THE AIR DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN'T PLAN AND DREAM.
tiny, remote airports where they gather. This type of flying was entirely new to me, and I can’t believe I waited so long to try it. Together the Huskys traveled through Maine and New Hampshire, taking in the changing colors after launching from a private grass strip soon after sunup on a crisp autumn morning. We flew from Frederick to Sun ’n Fun—and beyond, traveling all the way to Key West, Florida, just because we didn’t want to stop. We even took the Huskys home to the factory where they were built so the sweepstakes airplane could have an annual before we delivered it to its winner. But the sweepstakes Husky is now in the capable hands of its new owner, and my Husky is safely tucked in its hangar near the office. In 2013, I will have to work a little harder to find missions for my Husky. After all, we will no longer be touring the country with the Tornado Husky. as I am. I’m pretty sure they’d be happy to spend some time visiting more of the wonderful grass strips and backcountry landing sites scattered around the country. Last year I began making a mental list of airports I’d like to visit and trips I’d like to take in the Husky. This year, I’m making a point of crossing at least a few of those destinations off my list. I hope you’ll do the same. In some parts of the country, there’s not much flying happening at this time of year. But just because you can’t get into the air doesn’t mean you can’t dream and plan. Why not make your own aviation bucket list, then make it a point to spend part of 2013 crossing off one or two of those items? It’s a great way to refresh the spirit and get the new year off to a promising start.
Email AOPA President Craig Fuller at craig@aopa. org.

FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG

http://www.LetsGoFlying.com http://ft.aopa.org/ask http://ft.aopa.org/archive http://ft.aopa.org/library http://ft.aopa.org/student http://ft.aopa.org/flightbag http://ft.aopa.org/ask http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org http://www.aopa.org/join http://FLIGHTTRAINING.AOPA.ORG

Flight Training - January 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Flight Training - January 2013