[widgeon13]

I fly as an avocation and own my own plane, know my limitations and work to stay within those limits, sometimes it's easier than others. I wish I had done it for a career but things did not work out for me in that direction. I had a father in law that flew a Widgeon for 48 years and a step father in law that flew one as well for many years. They both told me early on that if I could not get the hours and ensure that I was safe for my family and other passengers to not take it up. So I passed until I got enough time and money to allow for skills that were required to stay safe for all involved. I'm not intrumented rated but every time I go up I work to be perfect in my endeavor. Most of the time, in fact, almost all the time I'm not perfect but that is my goal.

I can't tell you how many times I have been on approach in to an airfield and hear some guy in a Baron call for a landing on 08 when he's actually approaching 26 according to tower transmissions. There are many in private and commercial aviation that should not be there, they only strive for standards of just enough to get by. That's not acceptable.

My son is a professional pilot (ATP in both fixed wing and Helo) and I enjoy flying with him. He is currently SIC in a Falcon 2000. He seems to have inherited his skills from his grandfather's. He makes it look so easy but yet so relaxed. I have to work at it whenever I go up. His company has standards for safety that really impressed me when he went to work there. They don't cut corners on anything, when someone does there are no second chances. He's seen the results and knows the only way to do it is the right way.

My personal opinion is that if you are not striving for perfection every time you are in the air, you are not doing the job, no matter what the pay. No one goes up with the expectation of not landing safely but unfortunately for some that is the end result.