GA is priceless

Jay Honeck writes:

True, but irrelevant, since no one claims otherwise.

You said "the incredible utility and convenience of GA," but GA is
neither convenient nor useful, specifically because of issues like
weather that make it impossible to depend on GA.

This is why commercial aviation has invested so much over the decades
in making all-weather flying possible, safe, and practical.

Most times the weather cooperates, but until you get to the Pilatus
turboprop level or higher, weather will control your flying.

Exactly. So it's not very useful or convenient. You cannot depend on
your aircraft to get you somewhere on a specific date at a specific
time (or even within a span of several days).

Mary and I have flown our family coast to coast, all VFR, for over 12
years. The key is to be flexible in your planning, don't push the
limits of your aircraft and ability, and view the journey as the
adventure -- not the destination.

Naturally ... but that is a tacit acknowledgement of the fact that GA
cannot be depended upon for transportation. Cars and buses and
commercial airlines can be seen as modes of transportation; GA is
still largely a fair-weather hobby. If GA allows you to actually
travel in a useful way, that's just a happy (and occasional)
coincidence.

GA is much like motorcyle riding. You don't want to do it when the
weather sucks, but when the weather is nice, there is simply no better
way to go.

Yes. But I was taught not to depend on motorcycles for
transportation, for exactly this reason.

--
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Mxsmanic wrote:

Most times the weather cooperates, but until you get to the Pilatus
turboprop level or higher, weather will control your flying.

Exactly. So it's not very useful or convenient. You cannot depend on
your aircraft to get you somewhere on a specific date at a specific
time (or even within a span of several days).

I have seen the St Louis Arch, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon
(twice), Devil's Tower twice, Mt Rushmore, Death Valley, Saguaro Natl
Monument, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns and more in the last four
years while flying only VFR.

Sounds pretty useful to me. Can you claim to have driven to a
similar number of sites (same distances) in the same period?

Ron Lee

Ron Lee writes:

I have seen the St Louis Arch, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon
(twice), Devil's Tower twice, Mt Rushmore, Death Valley, Saguaro Natl
Monument, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns and more in the last four
years while flying only VFR.

Aviation is good for sightseeing.

Sounds pretty useful to me.

Useful for sightseeing, not for transportation.

When I drive a car, I do so to get from point A to point B, not to
admire the sights along the way. That's what makes it transportation.
Similarly, I don't book a seat on a commercial flight so that I can
admire the Rockies outside the window.

Can you claim to have driven to a
similar number of sites (same distances) in the same period?

Why would I want to?

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Mxsmanic wrote:

Ron Lee writes:

I have seen the St Louis Arch, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon
(twice), Devil's Tower twice, Mt Rushmore, Death Valley, Saguaro Natl
Monument, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns and more in the last four
years while flying only VFR.

Aviation is good for sightseeing.

Sounds pretty useful to me.

Useful for sightseeing, not for transportation.

Getting from point A to Point B to see stuff and so things is what I
want. If all you wish to do is go to and from the grocery store that
is your choice.

When I drive a car, I do so to get from point A to point B, not to
admire the sights along the way. That's what makes it transportation.
Similarly, I don't book a seat on a commercial flight so that I can
admire the Rockies outside the window.

Can you claim to have driven to a
similar number of sites (same distances) in the same period?

Why would I want to?

Good point. You live in a simulated world. I live in the real world
where I like to enjoy doing things and seeing parts of this great
country.

Ron Lee

"Ron Lee" wrote

Sounds pretty useful to me. Can you claim to have driven to a
similar number of sites (same distances) in the same period?

Do you really want to be drawn into responding to this putz?
--
Jim in NC

"Morgans" wrote:


"Ron Lee" wrote

Sounds pretty useful to me. Can you claim to have driven to a
similar number of sites (same distances) in the same period?

Do you really want to be drawn into responding to this putz?
--
Jim in NC

We have a snow period now and I need some excitement.

Ron Lee

("Ron Lee" wrote)
We have a snow period now and I need some...


(NAC) Necessary Aviation Content:
"Super absorbent, designed with wings to fit the way..."


Mont-don't-eat-that-yellow-snow-Black
46 years in Minnesota and I have NO IDEA what a snow period is? g

Montblack schrieb:

46 years in Minnesota and I have NO IDEA what a snow period is? g

maybe red snow? *pehehehe*

scnr, #m
--
I am not a terrorist http://www.casualdisobedience.com/

Mxsmanic wrote:

You said "the incredible utility and convenience of GA," but GA is
neither convenient nor useful, specifically because of issues like
weather that make it impossible to depend on GA.

I fly my Warrior in any type of weather that's thrown at me. I've flown
in the worst icing conditions and terrible thunderstorms and I've made
it to my destination every single time. Don't give me that crap about
GA not being useful. If it get's too bad, I just hit "P" to pause
everything and rethink my options. When it gets really bad (or if I
just don't have the time), I use the all-powerful "Go to Airport"
function from the top menu bar and viola! I'm there with nary a
scratch. Sometimes, when I'm really up for an adventure, I even switch
to my trusty Pilatus and the icing becomes a cakewalk.

Sheees, these amateurs should learn how to fly their airplanes and use
basic Microsoft Windows skills before putting down GA.

Marco Leon writes:

I fly my Warrior in any type of weather that's thrown at me. I've flown
in the worst icing conditions and terrible thunderstorms and I've made
it to my destination every single time.

There are bold pilots and old pilots, but no old, bold pilots.

If it get's too bad, I just hit "P" to pause everything and rethink
my options.

That cannot be done in real life. Even in simulation, pausing the
simulation may only delay the inevitable.

--
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