by Dave Weiman
Just when I hear someone talking about the decrease in pilot numbers, I am reminded of all of the good efforts being made by individuals like you, aviation groups, businesses and airports to promote aviation. There is SO MUCH being done to promote aviation that most of us can take great pride in our involvement.
In this issue, we have an article about a women’s pilot group in Minnesota that started a “Girls Day At The Airport” to encourage school-age girls to explore aviation. I would be very surprised if at least a couple of these kids did not take flying lessons, especially if they continue to be mentored, which can be so important in achieving one’s pilot certificate.
What could be more fun than to be a teenager and attend a “young aviator’s camp?” What an eye-opener for kids. In this issue, we report on such a camp in Racine, Wisconsin. The volunteers that get involved in the camp are to be commended.
We have a number of reports on fly-ins and air shows in this issue, and as one airport manager told me, “a fly-in or air show is the one time of the year we can showcase our airports and the benefits of aviation to the non-flying public.” Those aircraft owners that encourage kids and adults to touch, and even sit in their planes at these events, are to be commended. See our “Calendar” of events in this issue and online at www.MidwestFlyer.com for an ever-changing listing of upcoming fly-ins and air shows.
Wondering where the future of aviation is? Wonder no more! Meet Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski of Chicago in this issue. At age 9, she decided to learn to fly and took flying lessons in Canada due to that country’s lower age restrictions. Then in 2006, at age 12, she started building a Zenith CH 601XL and completed it in 2008. Sabrina was recognized by the Illinois Aviation Trades Association (IATA) at the Illinois Aviation Conference this spring for her accomplishments, and will be heading to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this fall to pursue a career in aviation and aerospace. We look forward to following Sabrina’s career.
Once we get our pilot certificates, we need to use them by flying for business and recreation. Enjoy our “Destinations” articles to Brazil and Door County, Wisconsin, and our “Fly & Dine” section featuring an airport with not one, but two restaurants!
Maintaining pilot proficiency is a must, and a little “aerobatic instruction” goes a long way in developing our skills so we may better handle our aircraft in emergencies and day to day. In this issue, professional pilot Mike Love describes what aerobatic training entails and how every pilot can gain from learning at least the basics. Aerobatics are also one heck of a lot of fun!
Enjoy what’s left of summer, and then go for a fall colors trip to a favorite or new travel destination.
August/September 2010 Midwest Flyer Magazine
