Serving Midwest Aviation Since 1960

MNPilots Hangar Flying

Resolve to make it a great 2018!

While we had a good year in 2017 flying in Minnesota, we have every hope that 2018 will be even better! New Year's resolutions are something I have not been a big fan of over the years, but maybe it can be turned into an "aviation bucket list" of sorts, making a list of things that we might want to do in 2018.

One of the first thoughts I would offer is to become more involved in getting youngsters into aviation. This may be by committing to participate in every Young Eagles event that you can attend. Sure, it is very gratifying to give rides, serving as pilot, but it is equally important to serve as a dependable ground crew person. The military pilots know very well the importance of their crew chief and ground crew in the successful completion of their mission. I think this is just as true for Young Eagles operations. Pick up the phone and call the Young Eagles coordinator for your local chapter and let them know of your commitment! You won't be turned away, and you won't regret it.

Another resolution you may find rewarding is to become more involved with your local airport. It may be just volunteering to paint the inside of the FBO building, or to organize an effort to build a picnic table with the top painted with the numbers of the runway on it. Perhaps it is to volunteer to clean up the airport, or to help organize a pancake breakfast.

Perhaps you can combine the two by seeing if there is a Big Brother or Big Sister organization in your community, and you can offer to take some of the Big Brothers or Sisters on a field trip to your airport. You don't have to give them a ride (but that would be awesome!) but you can let them touch the airplane and even sit in the cockpit to get a view only the pilot can see!

We have some businesses at airports in Minnesota that would greatly enjoy your patronage. How about making a New Year's resolution to take your wife, girlfriend, mother, mother-in-law or father-in-law (well, maybe that would be a stretch) or daughter or son, or granddaughter or grandson for a fly-in breakfast? How cool would that be!

...and there are the many pancake breakfasts to choose from! Our state is RICH in the category of pancake breakfasts. You get the opportunity to not only load up on some very nutritious pancakes and sausage, but also the chance to show locals how much you appreciate THEIR airport! I am not sure about you, but there are many times when I fly in and don't know a soul! Pull up a seat amongst some total strangers, sit down and introduce yourself as a member of the World Famous Minnesota Pilots Association! Tell them where you are from, how delightful their airport is!

Make the New Year count in 2018. Choose to make a difference. Make a resolution and stick with it!

Happy Flying to you in 2018!

 

Reader Comments(0)