Comments on: Time to spare – go by air!

By: Scott J. Smith

Scott J. Smith — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 05:23:07 +0000

I don’t think the article was specifically bashing airline travel per se (though I am sure those closer to the industry see it differently), but rather a response to the perceived threat current attitudes in Washington have against general aviation (through a general disdain for general aviation or ignorance of how general aviation works).

Both airline travel and general aviation travel have earned their place in the world, and especially the United States; however, many suggested changes to the airspace system under the auspices of safety, manageability, convenience and efficiency all come at a cost.

As it has already been noted, airline travel, for the most part, is much more affordable than charter or renting/owning and flying yourself. Airlines can absorb this cost (though not happily) and pass it along to their customers via increased fares, and still be the more affordable option. John and Jane Pilot must take out a second or third mortgage on their house AND tell their children they won’t be going to college if they choose to continue flying their general aviation aircraft in the same manner as they have, and the increased cost will make flight training even less affordable, making for fewer general aviation and airline pilots all around.

Gone are the times when you could depend on the military to provide a sufficient number of well-trained, well-experienced pilots for the airlines, as more military aviators are remaining in service longer, or seeking other careers after retiring, and more operations, especially reconnaissance, are being delegated to unmanned options.

General aviation and airline pilots should stick together, and promote open discussion and thorough education of the various types of aviation and their specific needs among policymakers for what is best for all aspects of aviation…not just the ones that get more air time on television, radio and other media outlets.

By: Stephen Hammers

Stephen Hammers — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 14:40:46 +0000

I am very thankful for GA. I wish I could be more of an advocate (ideas?). I fly my Beechcraft Baron 250 to 300 hours a year primarily for my business meetings. I even went to the effort of installing a glass cockpit for extra situational awareness and a known ice TKS system. In my 29 years of experience flying GA, I have become more appreciative of our flying freedom. We all need to spread the word and be thankful. Merry Christmas!

By: Steve Rozier

Steve Rozier — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 23:54:08 +0000

It is that time of year to count our blessings…… and some of our blessing include being able to afford our own plane to get around the country and also to live in a country where airline travel is affordable and pretty reliable. Like all businesses the airlines have bad moments and good but all in all they provide an affordable way to get things done and that includes business and pleasure travel. I know there are some of our service men and women in other countries laying behind an M-16 protecting our freedom and the things we can do here in the United States. Our hearts and minds could be on them for the next few weeks instead of an inconvenience that our service men and women would gladly accept if they could change places with us at home. Happy Holidays and be safe where ever you are !

By: Bruce Landsberg

Bruce Landsberg — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:26:24 +0000

D & James…..

Fair points – but mechanical things happen to the airlines as well and sometimes with no suitable replacement aircraft with an open seat – There was that day in Grand Forks….

Guess I should be pleased that the shop was so busy that they couldn’t get to our aircraft for several days and to my point that when we have such time machines usually available one should be thankful.

Point to point is always preferable to getting “hubbed and spoked” and GA usually allows that on a flex schedule.
We also need to have an alternative to flying light GA if schedule dictates a “command performance.”

Appreciate your thoughts….

By: James

James — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:35:28 +0000

Yeah. As much as I love GA, it’s a bit ironic to bash airlines and their delays when the whole adventure started because your GA plane developed a leak. And doubly ironic that you specifically say you’ve never been delayed more than a day — your plane’s leak was found 3 days before!

By: D Kartofel

D Kartofel — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 06:30:52 +0000

Bruce,
Bashing the airlines is fun I guess. Next time stop and think about how many AOPA members reading this might be airline pilots who pay dues. If I understand it the problems started when your GA plane developed a “Leak”. Better maintenance next time?

By: joe

joe — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 22:54:47 +0000

My wife and I frequently fly (Cessna 310) from West Texas to Milwaukee to see kids and grand kids. We can beat the airlines by an hour but at twice to three times the cost. You can’t take it with you and besides, those airplane mechanics need a job. Let’s go flying!

By: joe

joe — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 22:51:14 +0000

My wife and I frequently travel from West Texas to Milwaukee to see kids/grand kids. We can beat the airlines by up to an hour but at twice or three times the cost. You can’t take it with you and besides those airplane mechanics need a job. Let’s go flying!

By: George

George — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:53:09 +0000

I like the phrase “taxpayer funded GA.” What percentage of GA is taxpayer funded or taxpayer subsidized. Break it down in terms of dollars as well as hours and aircraft type.