the federal aviation regulations from cover to cover, you likely would not be surprised to notice the word “courtesy” is missing. So much of that regulatory document is designed to create an orderly means of operation for aircraft on the land, on the sea, and in the air. Yet it never comes right out and says what your mother would want you to know: Behave yourself. Be kind to others. Show some courtesy. None of those statements lend themselves to regulatory language, even though they are noble goals. And so you won’t find them in the regulations. Still, it’s worth thinking about having good manners when you’re at the airport or at the controls of an aircraft. There are myriad opportunities to show consideration to your fellow pilots. Every phase of flight presents us with scenarios that could benefit from a bit of kindness. If only we would take those opportunities seriously and realize we » By Jamie Beckett have as much motivation to ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN KLEBER be courteous as the other guy does, every aspect of aviation would be safer and more enjoyable. NOVEMBER 2013 FLIGHT TRAINING / 33