Pilot's tip of the week

How Do I Avoid the Party?

Featuring Elaine Kauh

Subscriber question:

"I would like to retire in peace, without any fanfare or one of those dreadful farewell parties. How can I avoid such a disgrace?" —Matt R.

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Elaine:

“So, you want to just, ‘fly off into the sunset.’ How pilot of you.

Don’t help pilots make smarter decisions. Don’t ask them to wrestle with difficult choices and think outside the box. Don’t challenge conventional aviation wisdom that might not be that wise. And, definitely, don’t get people asking, ‘What would Wally do?’

Also, don’t hire Jeff Van West. He’s nothing but trouble, and if he finds out you’re trying to fly under the radar he’ll reach over and squawk IDENT before you leave the sector. That’ll get everyone’s attention, and your only recourse will be to go dark and run for the border NORDO.

But then you’d be in violation of 14 CFR Part 91.209 requiring nav lights, which could blow your perfect record with the FAA.

Oh, well. Better luck next time.”

What do you do if they throw a party anyway?

(NEW) VFR Mastery scenario #99 “Look Out, Dear” is now available. A miscommunication leads to a late go-around … and a direct hit on a deer. You climb away safely, but you’re unsure what damage was done to the prop, nose gear, or engine—if any. As the sun sets, you weigh your options: Try to land again, or head elsewhere for bigger runways and better services? Watch the Intro video.

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