Hedgehopping Aviation

I write this book as an old man with the aim of passing on information that may be of benefit to pilots, would be pilots, or any other inquiring persons.  If we don’t pass on information from one  generation to the next, we are doomed.  We sent a man to the moon using information gained from previous generations.  Suppose each generation had to reinvent the wheel.  You never know when unrelated information will become related. 

A supposition among some doctors expresses the belief: sight is learned the first year of life.  If a baby is blindfolded at birth, and could not see for the first year, the baby would be blind for life.  Reason: it’s too late to learn to see.  This may be true, to a point.   Nevertheless, you are never too young or too old to learn.  Just this year I learned enriched uranium is not radioactive.  You might ask, What does that have to do with piloting?  It is the learning process that matters.  Memory is even more important. 

Airplane accidents and incidents that I have in some way been involved, will be highlighted along with some stories.  Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.  All accidents and incidents are caused by human failure of some kind – from which, we can learn.      

When placing blame for aircraft accidents, many origins are considered.  Designers, manufacturers, and people who make the rules have a responsibility.   Nevertheless,

pilots will always be first choice. 

From my mistakes and successes, you might learn something.  If not,  you may enjoy the stories.  All statements about aircraft and aircraft systems are derived from hands on experience.  Bear in mind; I have no formal education in the realm engineering or aeronautics.  I will log all the information I can remember and hope it will be of benefit to veterans as well as beginners.      

I am an 88-year-old retired airline pilot with considerable hands on experience in safety, training and engineering.   My aviation background encompasses time spent with Eastern Airlines as cleaner, mechanic’s helper, and commissary clerk.  When World War Two came along, I joined the US Army Air Corps and learned to fly.  During World War Two, I saw service in the European and Africa theater, dropping paratroopers, pulling gliders, and flying resupply missions.  I was shot down only once.  Flying time exceeds 25,000 hours.  Forty years with Eastern Airlines included duty as copilot, test pilot, line captain, check captain, flight instructor, FAA designee, ALPA safety representative, and  fuel specialist.  After retirement, I did some work as an aeronautical consultant.

Safety of commercial aviation continues to improve.  The Airline Pilots Association has been the driving force contributing to progress.  The FAA is charged, by law, to oversee safety and promote civil aviation.  This is like sending the fox to guard the henhouse.  This  dual purpose makes it impossible to do a good job in both endeavors.  Airlines are in business to make money.  Safety is expensive.  Lives are irreplaceable.  Therefore, pilots will continue to be the driving force for improved safety.  If you don’t do your part, all will suffer. 

Anyone can learn to fly, as you will see by example.