11/19/2024
I wrote this article for the January 2022 edition and feel that it is still relevant today - maybe even more so. Tell me what you think.
You can read the magazines here: http://www.aerosports.org/Magazine.html
“WINGING IT”
Paul Czarnecki
I have to say that, in my opinion, 2021 has been a year like no other in my short 62 orbits around the sun. Granted my memory is faulty at times, as pointed out my lovely wife Donna and her father.
I do have many memories of more carefree times at the small airport where a many pilots used to all just show up and fly together. At least I think I have those memories. The faster the present changes the more dearly I find myself holding on to the precious past.
Is that wrong of me? Is that a sign that I am becoming inflexible in my advancing age?
I notice that most folks have stopped, or severely limited, their spontaneous movements. “Winging it" is a common phrase that was practiced frequently back in my day. One example of this was taking the drive to the airport on a Saturday morning just to see whom you were going to fly and eat breakfast with that day. That’s right – go somewhere without prior arraignments – just see what happens and explore. If you publicly practice that today you will be looked upon as an eccentric or a risk taker. Today’s advise from TPTB are “stay home - be safe". Well bust my buttons I like to be eccentric in the view of the stay at home crowd. I have operated most of my life as an explorer and I will not be changing anytime soon, well to be honest, I don’t know how anyone can "just stay home and be safe"
During 2022 let’s all explore and “WING IT” more than we did during 2021. Folks may look at us funny – but we will be the ones having a good time!
This edition of Aero Connection offers a story by Jahn Kraske, “Urban Flying Fix – Seattle Washington” He understands the concept of winging it and tells the tale in a way that my just have you dusting off your flight suit too.
My friends please find the time to have fun every day. Each day we are given is a blessing and another opportunity to make lasting memories. Me actually being able to retrieve those memories is another matter - just ask Donna's father!
