Well thanks, Jack, I look forward to seeing you at our 10,000 hour
milestones.

As you point out, I'm a believer in positive thinking. But I temper
this faith by seeking out knowledge regarding potentially dangerous
airborne situations, taking away a lesson from each flight, and
respecting how easily flying can kill those who don't think. I try to
fly relaxed but alert, and I don't push any envelopes nor do I take
chances.

I submit that a positive attitude is safer than cowering in the
cockpit, shaking and hyperventilating, and fearing the plane will
betray me at any second. The reply that you quoted from me was written
to NoSpam, who said "Teaching students to fly in so called "unspinable"
gliders has to be one of the the most reckless and dangerous things
done [because] they won't pay attention to how well they are flying".

I take it that you agree with NoSpam - being afraid is the best way to
fly?

-John

Jack wrote:
Wow John,

Congratulations today on completion of your sixth month as a rated pilot.

It's good to have faith in yourself, your training, and your ship. Try
to keep an open mind concerning all three, though, because eventually
each of those faiths -- and quite possibly all three at once -- will be
tried, whether on your very next flight, or on your 10,000th.

Here's hoping you make 10,000 -- and that I'm around to see it.


Jack
(still working on my first 100 hrs, in gliders)