Spring Arrives

Now is the time to drag out that ‘moth balled’ plane and get the oil churning.  Spring is here… or at least by the calendar.  The western mountain states still believe that spring is off in the distance a bit.  This year is the year to fly.  There are air shows, fly-ins, and aviation events going on all over the country.  Get out and participate… Take a non-pilot along for the ride.   

Mountain Flying 

With this issue we start a series of articles provided by Sparky Imeson.  He has written for FLY-LOW for several years.  Sparky is, without doubt, one of the seasoned experts on mountain flying, having produced more than nineteen books and videos on mountain flying.  If you want to know more about his qualifications go to his website, www.mountainflying.com.   

Sparky has the talent to train, teach and preach mountain flying.  His works are ‘gems’.  The book, Mountain Flying Bible, is perhaps the best book ever written on flying in the mountains… big or small.  Another book, Taildragger Tactics is great.  Both books might surprise you… they are not just for people who fly in the mountains and fly taildraggers.  The books are about how to fly safely, no matter where you are or what you fly.  I own both, along with others, finding them interesting and educational to read.  Also, autographed copies are available from his website. 

This mountain flying series will run for some time…  Be sure you receive each issue for the next year.  And by the way, we do sell subscription to FLY-LOW.   

State Organizations 

On www.fly-low.com’s links page we have all of the state organizations that we know.  If your organization isn’t there, we’d like to have the URL with which to link.  AOPA has been most effective in fighting for aviation, but so have the state organizations.  We like to help promote them when possible.  If you contact me, I’ll see that your organization and their events get online. 

Sometimes AOPA has to choose its battles.  They fight the national problems; the state pilot’s organizations fight the local problems.  If you belong to a state organization, you at least will be notified of any problems that might affect your airport.  As always, we promote pilots to get involved and stay informed. 

Gone West

On March 16, 2006, I lost my best fan, supporter, and overall critic.  Her name, to most, was Evelyn, Mom to me.  She was born in 1917.  This will be the first issue that she will not read, enjoy, and offer her comments.  I dedicate this issue to you, mom.