When I applied to come into the Air Force my first job preference was pilot. Since I was already close to the age limit after my first application was rejected I decided to put Navigator as my first choice since the likelyhood of being picked up was greater. For ten years I was perfectly happy with my choice. In fact I deceived myself into believing it was a better choice. Then I got stationed in Altus OK. After my first 24 hour trip back to NY to visit my parents I decided I needed to learn how to pilot an airplane. There was no expectation I would actually enjoy it any more than driving a car but only the expectation I could avoid the annoyance of the long drive. You know what ----- I Love to fly. I guess this should have been predictable since I also find riding motorcycles enjoyable, not quite to the same degree as flying but at least I can afford a motorcycle.

For those of you just getting into aviation I recommend joining AOPA. You can find their web site at http://www.aopa.org/. This organization is a litle pricey at $40 a year but they seem to have their hands in every issue relavant to general aviation. And more importanly they seem to be promoting the right position. Your membership will also include their very readable magazine. The articles include subjects for the new and seasoned pilot and include flying technics, FAA procedures, safety incedents and political issues of the day. Check out the web site for more.

If you are actually in the market for an airplane I advise you to pay the $19 for a subscription to Trade-a-Plane magazine. Their web site is located at http://www.trade-a-plane.com/index.shtml. If you are really interested in owning an airplane check out this site http://www.aircraft-airplanes.com/cost_of_operation.htm. This may be a little high outside of the worst places in the country to own and operate an airplane, but most people underestimate the cost significately so I would plan on these numbers and hope to be pleasantly surprised instead of the other way around. I myself am hoping to buy an airplane. I'd like a six place Cessna 210 or Bonanza. Actually I would look at anything that travels over 150 knots. Then my preferance would be six place with 3 axis autopilot, engine analyzer and stormscope. Of course if you have a plain for sale I'd like to hear from you.

I'll put this link in here because they are realatively new and seem to be trying to offer a number of good services. http://www.aeroplanner.com/ I've been using the free portions of this site for a while now. I've been really tempted to pay for the subscription part. Maybe soon

I've been trying to get the Veterans Administration to rework their regulations to more closely match FAA regulations when it comes to paying for flight training. I've written a couple of letters. You can see the text by clicking here. I'd really like your support on this. If you would like to write a couple good contacts are:
Honorable Joseph Thompson
Undersecretary of Benefits
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washingtion, DC 20420
and
Congressman Mike Simpson
Subcommittee on Benefits
3355 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515


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