Readers Poll – How to justify light aviation ?
Even if some still doubt, it’s quite easy to explain the benefits of general aviation to any community. Freight transport, ambulance flights and TV relays are only a few examples out of many.
My question for this month’s poll is about the justification for light aviation. As pilots we often have to defend the aviation cause against airport neighboors, green integrists or others. The benefits of airlines and “heavy” general aviation (business jets, turboprops, …) are easy to explain, but how do YOU justify light aviation ? Which argument do you use to convince someone that light aircrafts and their pilots are good for a community ? There is obviously the training argument: even airline pilots start on light aircraft… but does this justifies the 100$ hamburger ? I’m really looking forward to your arguments and ideas in comments. I’m sure that we’ll all learn new ones and become more able to defend our passion.
7 Comments, Comment or Ping
Jason
In the relatively small town I live in, general aviation is not just for fun but it is a business. Ocala (my town) is known for it’s thoroughbred race horses. In fact the nations largest horse sale is held right across the street from the airport. Why? Because we have businessmen fly in! Also there’s a 737 that FLYS HORSES! General aviation is a business and an economic booster around these parts!
Apr 13th, 2009
Robert Greenlee
Although it is a bit pricey, GA is a legitimate form of transportation like any other. I took my family, with my 3 & 5 year olds, on a trip to visit relatives. This is normally a 7-8 hour drive but we did it in 3 hours in the plane. This was much easier on the kids and our nerves and we got to spend more time with the family.
Apr 13th, 2009
Bill Colton
I think people are entitled to enjoy life and spend their money as they please. In this respect, should not have to “justify” to anyone. As long as people spend thousands of dollars a year on pets, jewelry, art, and other non-necessities, we should not feel bad about flying! Buying a large gas-guzzling SUV to drive one person around can be considered wasteful too, but no-one thinks twice about this. So fly without guilt, and have fun!
Apr 14th, 2009
Julien
I agree with Bill, the question to ask is not why should General Aviation exist, but rather why should anyone try to prevent people from doing something they like or find useful. We live in free countries after all. That doesn’t mean us pilots shouldn’t be mindful of infringing on other people’s right to, say, enjoy a quiet Sunday morning.
I like to compare aviation with boating. Many people enjoy going out on a small boat, whether wind or petrol powered, for fishing, tourism or simply enjoying a day out with family and friends. Do we try to shut down harbours and marinas just because sailing is not “useful”? Same reasoning could be applied to 4-wheel driving, or even skiing…
Apr 14th, 2009
martijn moret
Simple:
Educational: many pilots started out as PPL (recreational) pilots. Many kids are being made enthousiastic to become a pilot in a small plane.
Business: as you mentioned, photo-flights, search and rescue, forrest fire prevention, medical flights, etc etc.
Recreational: like boating, motor cross or other car sports; spotting (! give them guys on the ground their fun)
Apr 14th, 2009
Julien
Not to forget: many airports act as defacto natural reserves. Especially since 9/11, all the fences and security that sprung up around airports turned airport grounds into safe havens for all sort of wildlife. At my former aerodrome we had a mob of kangaroos near the threshold of runway 07. I think they like the smell of AVGAS.
Apr 14th, 2009
frd
At 74 years and after 52 years I decided to scratch my flying itch. I don’t have a lot of cash but I have some. I don’t play golf (check the greens fees.) I love to fly. I don’t need a utilitarian reason. As Hercule Poirot would say, “It keeps the little grey cells working.” I love practicing landings. I love trying to do each maneuver correctly. I long for the time I can go fully aerobatic again. Let’s go fly!
Apr 25th, 2009
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