I heartily agree that “talking to ourselves” probably isn’t the best course of action, but it seems like many of the “programs” that exist are exactly that. Honestly, I get tired of listening to the message of these programs–because the message is mostly factual and BORING–and I count myself in the few that are extremely passionate about aviation and about telling others. If we bore ourselves, then how can we inspire everyone else?

I also agree that inviting friends and neighbors is a great idea–but I’d go further and suggest inviting a fellow pilot–what better way to hold yourself accountable to a high standard of airmanship than to let someone “look over your shoulder”?! It’s also a great way to “share” the cost of flying for those so concerned.

One last thing that I’d add to your strategy…we can sow the seeds of inspiration and hope by merely getting people to read, watch videos, and view photographs of flight as well! I think WE should inspire ourselves and the communities we are connected to by engaging in these kinds of activities too. There are countless fascinating blogs with a host of multimedia that can engage people in their daily activities and gradually draw them closer to the airport where we can get them in the cockpit.

Thanks for your comment and you may want to go back through some of my previous blogs because I do read and occasionally respond. My point is that wishing for something and doing something about are two different things,

Many people like to wait for others to fix something when they could have a direct impact themselves. I’ve suggested that we aviation types stop just talking to ourselves but invite friends and neighbors for a short intro flight. A very few may choose to become pilots but many more will have a better understanding of GA and will be more inclined to think of us positively.

I’ve blogged on cost of flying before and there are a variety of reasons why it is as high as it is. AOPA is not just waiting for something to change but is actively engaged with FAA and others to make some changes to the certification process.

When action is impossible then hope is all one has left. I don’t think we’re there yet and after seeing what I’ve seen on the international front, Ben Franklin was brilliant in his observation .

Appreciate your thoughts and perhaps some others will weigh in as well.

Let’s kill off No Plane, No Gain, and the Fly 5 More Hours, and every other ridiculous program that is just a process based attempt to build metrics…instead of hope.

After all, hope is probably what got most of us into the cockpit…

And here’s hoping that a blog comment will get a reply, because I’ve never seen an AOPA response to any blog comment.