BEYOND THE BURGER 100 (almost) excuses to use that new pilot certificate BY JULIE SUMMERS WALKER ILLUSTRATIONS BY DANIEL HERTZBERG In the midst of training, it seems impossible that you'll ever need an excuse just to fly, but there comes a time when all the lessons are over and the challenges aren't as challenging and you actually need a reason to fly. That's where the phrase " $100 hamburger " came from-an excuse for general aviation pilots to exercise their privileges and fly an easy trip of about two hours to someplace to get something. A good old American hamburger can be found at just about every airport café in the country and avgas for the trip in a Cessna 172 used to be about 100 bucks give or take a buck or mile. Now, don't start raging that times have changed and some (insert party affiliation) politician has made it impossible to get anything for $100; just appreciate the idea that you can, if you want to, now fly yourself to get something to eat. However, even a greasy hamburger can lose its appeal. In that case, may we offer some other ideas-that may or may not cost you $100 or more-to make use of your pilot certificate? FLIGHT TRAINING JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 37