Unscientific survey - why are you a pilot?

[Doug Semler]

(Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)

A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot. This has
probably been asked umpteen times before, and will be asked umpteen
times in the future, but I am trying to get a feel for the
psychological aspect that causes a person to WANT to be a pilot. So
this is directed towards non-pilots and students as well. Of course,
every individual is different, but these 2 newsgroups are pretty
directed towards pilots so can be taken as an unscientfic
representative sample.

In some cases <looking in Jay's general direction> it's because it's
an opportunity for family bonding and whathaveyou. Some cases are
probably your run-of-the-mill "cool factor" cases. And, of course, I
am sure that there are the cases of the "I'm better than you because I
can do something you can't do" syndrome. But I'm wondering if there
isn't some deep commonality amongst most pilots to which we can
point?

Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
"every day is different and brings a new challenge")
Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
(subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?
Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
school than working)?
(subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
something you don't know.
(subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
it" or has that "aha! moment?"
Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
on top of the world when I fly"
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
oriented book?
(For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
good communication skills?
Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
fartsy)?

Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
(wouldn't be the first time <g>)

Note:
I was thinking about including education history (e.g. are pilots more
likely to be college graduates) but that introduces 2 biases (age and
income) into it. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
better.

[Jim Burns[_2_]]

Time-machine that allows me to travel and visit people that I wouldn't be
able to by car.
Never ending learning opportunities.
Self gratification.


> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
No

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")
No

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
Yes

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?
Yes

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?
Thirst for hands on learning. I'd rather be at work or working on something
that I learn from than stuck in any type of classroom.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.
Constantly looking up things that I run across.

> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"
Yes.

> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
No

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"
Neither

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Yes

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?
Either

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?
Yes

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?
Left when needed, lean towards the right

Jim

[[email protected]]

I became a pilot because I have had a lifelong love of airplanes and
aviation. It started from when I first played with balsa-wide rubber
band powered airplanes, continued with RC planes, my father getting
his license, and finally when I graduated from college and went to
work for Boeing. While at Boeing I finally made enough money and had
an opportunity to blow $4000 on flight training so I got my license.

I have never regretted the decision, and have remained an active,
albeit monthly, pilot since 1991. My most recent and one of my most
memorable flights I just made this summer when I flew with a friend in
his Kitfox 7A all the way from Caldwell Idaho (EUL) to Oshkosh (OSH)
and back. That was a greate way to log a bunch of cross-country
hours!

Dean W
AeroLEDs LLC
www.aeroleds.com

[Gene Seibel]

On Aug 15, 10:14 am, Doug Semler > wrote:

> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

No.

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")

No.

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?

Occasionally.

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

No.

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?

If it something that I am interested in.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.

When I run across something I don't know.

> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

No.

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"

Just love to fly.

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert.

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?

Aviation books. Aviation movies.

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?

Yes.

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?

A little of both.

--
Gene Seibel
Tales of Flight - http://pad39a.com/gene/tales.html
Because I fly, I envy no one.

[Larry Dighera]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:14:53 -0700, Doug Semler >
wrote in om>:

>This has
>probably been asked umpteen times before, and will be asked umpteen
>times in the future, but I am trying to get a feel for the
>psychological aspect that causes a person to WANT to be a pilot.

To experience the joy evoked by the vistas encountered in flight. The
rapture evoked by the sights an airman routinely encounters fill his
memories with delight.

To play among the clouds as every child imagines. Why lay on your
back wishing you could cavort among the cottony forms when piloting
enables you to fulfill those dreams?

To overcome the limitations of human navigation in the third
dimension. Why accept the limitation of merely walking the surface of
the earth when there is so much more available?

To overcome the frustration with automobile and airline travel.
Traffic congestion, surreptitious speed-trap radar operation by law
enforcement officers, low highway speed limits, and the exposure to
the hazard caused by inept motorists conspire to make driving tedious
and banal for all but the short trips to the grocery store. The
character of airline travel has changed from a pleasurable experience
to become a waiting game for dubious security and inane delays as a
result of stupid airline scheduling and routing. No thanks.

To enable the exploration of geologic and cultural artifacts on the
surface. There are many surface features that can only be truly
appreciated from an aerial vantage point:
http://www.pilotgetaways.com/skytours/index.html

....

[Neil Gould]

Recently, Doug Semler > posted:
>
> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
>
Yes, though mostly before my time (father was a WWII fighter pilot).

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")
>
No.

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
>
Yes.

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?
>
No.

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?
>
I learn faster and more completely in real-world settings than school...

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly
>
Yes.

> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
>
No.

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"
>
Neither.

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
>
No.

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?
>
Either, though much of my elective reading is technically oriented.

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?
>
I'd have to ask those who receive my messages (my wife would give me a
mixed review on this).

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?
>
Both, in roughly equal portions.

Neil

[Danny Deger]

"Doug Semler" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> (Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)
>
> A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
> know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot. This has
> probably been asked umpteen times before, and will be asked umpteen
> times in the future, but I am trying to get a feel for the
> psychological aspect that causes a person to WANT to be a pilot. So
> this is directed towards non-pilots and students as well. Of course,
> every individual is different, but these 2 newsgroups are pretty
> directed towards pilots so can be taken as an unscientfic
> representative sample.
>
> In some cases <looking in Jay's general direction> it's because it's
> an opportunity for family bonding and whathaveyou. Some cases are
> probably your run-of-the-mill "cool factor" cases. And, of course, I
> am sure that there are the cases of the "I'm better than you because I
> can do something you can't do" syndrome. But I'm wondering if there
> isn't some deep commonality amongst most pilots to which we can
> point?
>
> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")
> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?
> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?
> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.
> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"
> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"
> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?
> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?
> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?
>
> Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
> when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
> psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
> (wouldn't be the first time <g>)
>
> Note:
> I was thinking about including education history (e.g. are pilots more
> likely to be college graduates) but that introduces 2 biases (age and
> income) into it. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
> in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
> better.
>

I was born in 1956. I wanted to be an astronaut and at that time all
astronauts were pilots. Outside of that I love the challenge of flying.

Danny Deger

[Brian[_1_]]

> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
No

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")
No (Well maybe the like new challenges end of it)

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
Yes (If that applies to everytime I fly my sailplane, 2nd challenges
are building new electronic or mechanical gadgets, usually for my
sailplane)

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?
No.

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?
Yes, But prefer hands on learning to going to school.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.
Yes, But that is a lot of what Flight Instructors do.


> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"
Yes

> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
No

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"
No, Ok I do get that "On top of the world feeling" when at 17,500 feet
over the Central Idaho Wilderness in my Sailplane.

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Mostly intorvert. I am the quiet one.

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?
Used to be aviation, Now is more Fiction.

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?
No

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?
Left

[Bertie the Bunyip[_19_]]

Doug Semler > wrote in news:1187190893.204957.59450
@g12g2000prg.googlegroups.com:


Because I didn't spend enough time practicing piano


Bertie

[Ken Finney]

"Danny Deger" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Doug Semler" > wrote in message
> ups.com...
>> (Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)
>>
>> A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
>> know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot. This has
>> probably been asked umpteen times before, and will be asked umpteen
>> times in the future, but I am trying to get a feel for the
>> psychological aspect that causes a person to WANT to be a pilot. So
>> this is directed towards non-pilots and students as well. Of course,
>> every individual is different, but these 2 newsgroups are pretty
>> directed towards pilots so can be taken as an unscientfic
>> representative sample.
>>
>> In some cases <looking in Jay's general direction> it's because it's
>> an opportunity for family bonding and whathaveyou. Some cases are
>> probably your run-of-the-mill "cool factor" cases. And, of course, I
>> am sure that there are the cases of the "I'm better than you because I
>> can do something you can't do" syndrome. But I'm wondering if there
>> isn't some deep commonality amongst most pilots to which we can
>> point?
>>
>> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
>> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
>> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")
>> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
>> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?
>> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
>> school than working)?
>> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
>> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
>> something you don't know.
>> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
>> it" or has that "aha! moment?"
>> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
>> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
>> on top of the world when I fly"
>> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
>> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
>> oriented book?
>> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
>> good communication skills?
>> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
>> fartsy)?
>>
>> Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
>> when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
>> psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
>> (wouldn't be the first time <g>)
>>
>> Note:
>> I was thinking about including education history (e.g. are pilots more
>> likely to be college graduates) but that introduces 2 biases (age and
>> income) into it. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
>> in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
>> better.
>>
>
> I was born in 1956. I wanted to be an astronaut and at that time all
> astronauts were pilots. Outside of that I love the challenge of flying.
>
> Danny Deger

Interesting you mention that. I was born in 1959. Last night I was
listening to an mp3 of a book from the late 1940s/early 1950s called
"Flying Saucers are Real!" and I still have reel-to-reel audio tapes
of most of the Apollo missions, taped using a microphone next
to the TV. I'm not sure if I wanted to be an astronaut or an
alien though...

P.S. I'm not a pilot, yet.

[Michael Ash]

In rec.aviation.student Doug Semler > wrote:
> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

Nope. My uncle flies, but I got him started (long before I earned a
rating) rather than the other way around. His continuing presence as an
active pilot might have helped nudge me along, though.

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")

A year ago I would have said no, now I'll say yes. Cross country soaring
is more adventure than I bargained for and I love every minute.

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

Yes to both.

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?

Your parenthetical is broken. While I mostly enjoyed school (university,
not this juvenile hall they call school for children), my "thirst for
knowledge" is in many ways better satisfied now that I'm no longer
learning officially.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.

Constantly seeking out new things, frequently followed by going out and
doing them.

> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

Nope.

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"

On top of the world. I've done some really amazing things but I know I am
but a dust mote compared to the really great pilots.

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert.

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?

Probably the fiction. I prefer flying over reading about flying, although
doing research in advance of trying something new is always a good thing.

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?

Not good, but passable. When I was much younger and doing power flying the
radio was always intimidating. Now it's no big deal, partly because I'm
never talking to ATC, and partly because I just don't have the anxiety
about it I used to.

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?

Real far left. Programmer by trade, specializing in things so esoteric
that I can't even explain what they are to most people.

> Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
> when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
> psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
> (wouldn't be the first time <g>)

It has been noticed many times in my club that we are extremely heavy in
engineering-type disciplines and advanced degrees. Usually this is pointed
out when we have four or five people with PhDs standing around all trying
to figure out how to get the glider on its dolly so it can go in the
hangar, but that makes it no less true.

> Note:
> I was thinking about including education history (e.g. are pilots more
> likely to be college graduates) but that introduces 2 biases (age and
> income) into it. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
> in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
> better.

Perhaps the simple fact of obtaining a degree isn't relevant (although we
seem to have more advanced degrees than I would expect) but the subject of
those degrees definitely should be. You still have the income bias there,
but not as much. For the record, Computer Science here.

--
Michael Ash
Rogue Amoeba Software

[[email protected]]

On Aug 15, 11:29 am, Bertie the Bunyip > wrote:
> Doug Semler > wrote in news:1187190893.204957.59450
> @g12g2000prg.googlegroups.com:
>
> Because I didn't spend enough time practicing piano
>
> Bertie

LOL!

[Dallas]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:14:53 -0700, Doug Semler wrote:

> A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
> know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot.

At 6 years old I sat in my father's lap in the cockpit of a DC-3 while we
flew over the Andes. That's still one of the coolest things I've ever
done.

Did that make an aviation lover out of me? That may have done it, but I'll
never know.

I honestly believe it's nature, not nurture. Some people want the window
seat, some people want the aisle seat... I think you're born with it.


--
Dallas

[Bertie the Bunyip[_19_]]

wrote in news:1187203057.372374.14610
@j4g2000prf.googlegroups.com:

> On Aug 15, 11:29 am, Bertie the Bunyip > wrote:
>> Doug Semler > wrote in news:1187190893.204957.59450
>> @g12g2000prg.googlegroups.com:
>>
>> Because I didn't spend enough time practicing piano
>>
>> Bertie
>
> LOL!
>
>

Thenkew.

Bertie

[george]

To much money, spare time and a nearby aerodrome

[Paul kgyy]

>
> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting? No
> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge") No
> Are you constantly seeking new challenges? somewhat
> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily? No
> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)? No, though work is a learning experience for me and I intentionally went back to work after retiring.
> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know. Yes
> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"
> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)? no
> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly" no
> Are you an introvert or an extrovert? intro
> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book? yes
> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills? yes
> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)? yes
>
> Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
> when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
> psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
> (wouldn't be the first time <g>)
>
> Note:
> I was thinking about including education history (e.g. are pilots more
> likely to be college graduates) but that introduces 2 biases (age and
> income) into it. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
> in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
> better. mediocre student until I got to grad school, then excellent

I've asked myself why I spend all this money and time (and sometimes,
anxiety). My wife would tell you that flying restores my soul in some
way. There is some utility value to go places, but that isn't the
primary driver.

There's something magical about being suspended between heaven and
earth that can't be duplicated in any other way. Sometimes commercial
flight is good too, but less and less often anymore.

[Jay Beckman[_2_]]

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It's probably worth a
few answers as well:

http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/69390684

Jay Beckman
PP-ASEL
Chandler, AZ
www.pbase.com/flyingphotog

[RVlust]

Interesting. I would have thought the "adventure" part would be
unanimous but that doesn't seem to be the case so far.

For me, it's what aviation is all about. Fuel, navigation, airspace,
weather...the risks are always there and they can always be legally
increased or decreased for relaxation or bigger challenges.

Q summary:
I'm the first pilot in my family. The thought of popping out of OVC2500
-SHRA at night is adventure (tho I haven't been there yet). Art/Music
comes natural to me, but I'm far more interested in science and how
things work (and A B17 on take-off roll blows away any Picasso :-). I
don't care what others do as long as it doesn't affect me in a negative
way (control freak?). I enjoy flying with others, but I love flying
alone and I'll take the non-fiction (aviation book) over fiction. I
sometimes have a hard time recognizing ATC instructions, but I don't
have a problem keying the mic and stating "say again".

In article om>,
Doug Semler > wrote:

> (Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)
>
> A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
> know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot. This has
> probably been asked umpteen times before, and will be asked umpteen
> times in the future, but I am trying to get a feel for the
> psychological aspect that causes a person to WANT to be a pilot. So
> this is directed towards non-pilots and students as well. Of course,
> every individual is different, but these 2 newsgroups are pretty
> directed towards pilots so can be taken as an unscientfic
> representative sample.
>
> In some cases <looking in Jay's general direction> it's because it's
> an opportunity for family bonding and whathaveyou. Some cases are
> probably your run-of-the-mill "cool factor" cases. And, of course, I
> am sure that there are the cases of the "I'm better than you because I
> can do something you can't do" syndrome. But I'm wondering if there
> isn't some deep commonality amongst most pilots to which we can
> point?
>
> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")
> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?
> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?
> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.
> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"
> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"
> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?
> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?
> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?
>
> Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
> when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
> psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
> (wouldn't be the first time <g>)
>
> Note:
> I was thinking about including education history (e.g. are pilots more
> likely to be college graduates) but that introduces 2 biases (age and
> income) into it. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
> in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
> better.

[Bob Noel]

In article om>,
Doug Semler > wrote:

> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

No

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")

No.

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?

No

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

No

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?

gawd no.


> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.

neither


> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"

n/a

> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

no

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?"

no

>or is it more like "I'm on top of the world when I fly"

I love flying. does that count?

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

introvert

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?

If those are the only two choices: aviation-oriented

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?

No.

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?

Left

>
> Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
> when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
> psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
> (wouldn't be the first time <g>)

you didn't ask when we knew we wanted to fly.

--
Bob Noel
(goodness, please trim replies!!!)

[Bob Noel]

In article om>,
Paul kgyy > wrote:

> There's something magical about being suspended between heaven and
> earth that can't be duplicated in any other way.

SHACK!!

--
Bob Noel
(goodness, please trim replies!!!)

[Montblack]

("Bob Noel" wrote)
>> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy fartsy)?

> Left

Wonder where that puts me with my paint by numbers book?

> (goodness, please trim replies!!!)

What he said ....pretty please!!!!


Paul-Mont

[Kloudy via AviationKB.com]

Bob Noel wrote:
>> There's something magical about being suspended between heaven and
>> earth that can't be duplicated in any other way.
>
>SHACK!!
>
Yeah...I see it too.
http://www.animalu.com/pics/shack.jpg

--
Message posted via http://www.aviationkb.com

[Kloudy via AviationKB.com]

Doug Semler wrote:
>(Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)
>
>Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
Nope
>Are you an adventure seeker
Not really. Not any further than final glide.
>Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
frequently but not constantly
>"thirst for knowledge" ( rather be in school than working)?
Like school but it doesn't pay as well
> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
>about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
>something you don't know.
As a glider pilot, I learn something new EVERYTIME I'm out. Nature throws a
wide range of variables at me.
>Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
Uh, hands on stick and release. Go where the lift is. On the ground, Que Sera,
Sera
>Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
>on top of the world when I fly"
Altitude is attitude. I get kinda low..when I'm low.
>Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
If I were introverted any further, I'd be inside out.
>If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
>oriented book?
Fiction book about aviation, or aviation book about fiction.
>Do you find that you have always had good communication skills?
yep
>Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy fartsy)?
Artist
>Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
>when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
>psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
>(wouldn't be the first time <g>)
What?
>
>Note:
> However maybe a question along the lines of "while
>in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
>better.
I thought I was a good student, its my teachers who didn't agree.

I like to fly (soaring) because it is visceral, beautiful, unusual, cerebral,
and less expensive than airplanes. Though admittedly It ain't so good for
getting from A to B.
I do enjoy the occasional motoring around but thats just not where its at for
me.

--
Message posted via AviationKB.com
http://www.aviationkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/aviation/200708/1

[[email protected][_1_]]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:14:53 -0700, Doug Semler >
wrote:

>Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

Yes. Father in the 40's (farmed after he got out of the service),
uncle operated a small pseudo-FBO in MI.

>Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
>"every day is different and brings a new challenge")

Yes. But now I'm married with children, so the challenges are a little
less adrenaline-generating. IT SUCKS.

>Are you constantly seeking new challenges?

Yes. But see above.

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

Yes.

>Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
>school than working)?

Yes, but I've learned a helluva lot more "working" than I ever did in
"school".

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
>about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
>something you don't know.

Not current, right now flying isn't an option.

>Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

No way. But I can tend to be a CFR/FAR freak.

>Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
>on top of the world when I fly"

Neither. It's better than the best roller coaster I ever rode (and I
get to "drive"!!)

>Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Got me. Depends on the situation.

>If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
>oriented book?

Fiction. I spend every day at the airport in real life.

>(For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
>good communication skills?

Yes.

>Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
>fartsy)?

Both. FWIW, am ambidextrous also.

>Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
>when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
>psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
>(wouldn't be the first time <g>)

I am a licensed technician and primarily learned to fly to aid my
communications skills/gain empathy to the customers' (i.e. pilots)
viewpoint/perspective.

TC

[Woody]

Not enough money, not enough time, love for airplanes so am still dreaming
at 68:(

"george" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> To much money, spare time and a nearby aerodrome
>

[me[_5_]]

Fear of Flying - no joke!
Got my PPL
and still nervous about getting in a plane.
Think I Need a shrink?

[Danny Deger]

"Ken Finney" > wrote in message
...
>
snip

>>
>>
>> I was born in 1956. I wanted to be an astronaut and at that time all
>> astronauts were pilots. Outside of that I love the challenge of flying.
>>
>> Danny Deger
>
> Interesting you mention that. I was born in 1959. Last night I was
> listening to an mp3 of a book from the late 1940s/early 1950s called
> "Flying Saucers are Real!" and I still have reel-to-reel audio tapes
> of most of the Apollo missions, taped using a microphone next
> to the TV. I'm not sure if I wanted to be an astronaut or an
> alien though...
>
> P.S. I'm not a pilot, yet.
>
>
>

I forgot to mention you can read all about it in my free book, "Houston, You
Have a Problem." Download from www.dannydeger.net

Danny Deger

[Pixel Dent]

In article om>,
Doug Semler > wrote:

> (Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)
>
> A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
> know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot. This has
> probably been asked umpteen times before, and will be asked umpteen
> times in the future, but I am trying to get a feel for the
> psychological aspect that causes a person to WANT to be a pilot.

Because driving is too slow and flying commercial sucks.

[Viperdoc[_3_]]

I am a pilot because MXSMANIC (Anthony Atkielski) isn't. This distinguishes
me from him in many ways, all good.

[Wizard of Draws[_3_]]

On 8/15/07 11:14 AM, in article
om, "Doug Semler"
> wrote:
>
> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

No, but my grandfather probably sparked my love when he took me to the
airport to watch planes.

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")

Not really.

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?

Yes.

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

Yes.

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?

Yes.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.

When I run across things I don't know.

> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"

> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

Some people say so.

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"

On top of the world.

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert mostly.

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?

Aviation related.

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?

No way.

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?

Artsy.

>
> Note:
> I was thinking about including education history (e.g. are pilots more
> likely to be college graduates) but that introduces 2 biases (age and
> income) into it. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
> in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
> better.
>

Above average student, college grad.
--
Jeff 'The Wizard of Draws' Bucchino

Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.wizardofdraws.com

More Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.cartoonclipart.com

[Larry Dighera]

On Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:52:20 +0100, me > wrote in
>:

>Fear of Flying - no joke!
>Got my PPL
>and still nervous about getting in a plane.
>Think I Need a shrink?


I don't think so. That's a healthy attitude toward an unnatural
activity for a wingless creature. You just need more time in the air.
How many flight hours have you logged?

[Dudley Henriques[_2_]]

Larry Dighera wrote:
> On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:14:53 -0700, Doug Semler >
> wrote in om>:

> To play among the clouds as every child imagines. Why lay on your
> back wishing you could cavort among the cottony forms when piloting
> enables you to fulfill those dreams?
>

My all time favorite Peanuts from Charles Shultz; an absolute genius!


"Lucy, Linus and Charlie Brown were looking at clouds. Linus said one
formation reminded him of Steven being stoned in the Bible, another
reminded him of British Honduras, and another reminded him of the
sculptor Thomas Ekins. When Lucy asked Charlie Brown what he saw, he
said, "I was going to say I saw a duck and a horsie, but I changed my
mind."

--
Dudley Henriques

[Dudley Henriques[_2_]]

Doug Semler wrote:
> (Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)
>
> A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
> know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot. This has
> probably been asked umpteen times before, and will be asked umpteen
> times in the future, but I am trying to get a feel for the
> psychological aspect that causes a person to WANT to be a pilot. So
> this is directed towards non-pilots and students as well. Of course,
> every individual is different, but these 2 newsgroups are pretty
> directed towards pilots so can be taken as an unscientfic
> representative sample.
>
> In some cases <looking in Jay's general direction> it's because it's
> an opportunity for family bonding and whathaveyou. Some cases are
> probably your run-of-the-mill "cool factor" cases. And, of course, I
> am sure that there are the cases of the "I'm better than you because I
> can do something you can't do" syndrome. But I'm wondering if there
> isn't some deep commonality amongst most pilots to which we can
> point?
>
> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")
> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?
> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?
> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.
> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"
> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"
> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?
> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?
> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?
>
> Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
> when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
> psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
> (wouldn't be the first time <g>)
>
> Note:
> I was thinking about including education history (e.g. are pilots more
> likely to be college graduates) but that introduces 2 biases (age and
> income) into it. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
> in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
> better.
>
I started out as many of you did, as a kid with a dream. As a young boy
I sat in the cockpit of a P51 fighter and like a million other kids my
age dreamed of flying one someday. Sixteen years later I did a climbing
roll in a P51 over the grave of the pilot of the P51 I had been sitting
in that day to thank him for inspiring me to straighten out my life and
learn to fly.
(Reader's Digest April 1985 "A Little Help From A Friend" Dudley Henriques)
I enjoyed much of my life in aviation. I learned a lot, I taught others
a lot, and I'm still learning. At times the road was strewn with pot
holes. Counting friends on the jet teams, I've lost 32 friends while
involved with the demonstration flying community.
In retirement now, I look back sometimes and wonder if I had it all to
do over again, would I do it the same way? I think I would.
Aviation gave me more than I ever would have known without it.
It was one hell of a ride!!

--
Dudley Henriques

[muff528]

"Dudley Henriques" > wrote in message
...
> Larry Dighera wrote:
>> On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:14:53 -0700, Doug Semler >
>> wrote in om>:
>
>> To play among the clouds as every child imagines. Why lay on your
>> back wishing you could cavort among the cottony forms when piloting
>> enables you to fulfill those dreams?
>
> My all time favorite Peanuts from Charles Shultz; an absolute genius!
>
>
> "Lucy, Linus and Charlie Brown were looking at clouds. Linus said one
> formation reminded him of Steven being stoned in the Bible, another
> reminded him of British Honduras, and another reminded him of the sculptor
> Thomas Ekins. When Lucy asked Charlie Brown what he saw, he said, "I was
> going to say I saw a duck and a horsie, but I changed my mind."
>
> --
> Dudley Henriques


They all look the same from the inside. :-)
While skydiving, I always consider it a special treat when I "inadvertently"
bust through
one of the scattered "white puffies" that are common in the Central Florida
summertime sky.
Like they say, "I know what a cloud tastes like"! (I've been in some
not-so-puffy ones too)
Maybe flying will be next after I've raised my kid.

BlueSkies, Tony P

[Dan Luke[_2_]]

"Doug Semler" wrote:

> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

Yes. My grandad was in the RFC in WW I, my dad was in the AAF in WW II and
the USAF later.

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")

No.

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?

Yes.

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

Yes.

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?

Yes.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.

The former.

> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"
> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

No.

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"

The latter.

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert.

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?

Fiction.

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?

Yes.

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?
>

Both.

> .... is there no measurable
> psychological correlation to flying..?

There probably is, but I can't give you a pat answer to the question of of why
I love airplanes and flying. I've been that way since I was 4 years old.

--
Dan
T-182T at BFM

[~D~]

Doug Semler wrote:
> A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
> know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot.

In a nutshell:

Dad was a pilot (Navy & commercial), so I grew up going to airshows and
having aviation related things around me. I'm not an adventure seeker,
more of a homebody. I don't get bored easily. I'd rather be in school if
it would pay me as much as working does. It took me four years to get
through junior (two year) college because I kept taking all manner of
courses that sounded interesting or fun. I then spent another four years
at a university, but that was about six years later. I'm a student
pilot, so everything is new--I don't have to go looking for it. I am a
bit of a control freak (so was Dad for that matter). I love to just look
at the scenery; to see the world in a different way. I'm an introvert
and enjoy reading sci-fi, mysteries, and the occasional bodice-ripper
set in historical times (so I can learn some history in the process). I
don't think I've got good comm skills, and don't like doing the radio
work as I'm always afraid I'm going to screw up. I'm whole brained
(definitely artsy-fartsy, but scientifically inclined as well).

Debbie

[~D~]

Doug Semler wrote:
> A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
> know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot.

In a nutshell:

Dad was a pilot (Navy & commercial), so I grew up going to airshows and
having aviation related things around me. I'm not an adventure seeker,
more of a homebody. I don't get bored easily. I'd rather be in school if
it would pay me as much as working does. It took me four years to get
through junior (two year) college because I kept taking all manner of
courses that sounded interesting or fun. I then spent another four years
at a university, but that was about six years later. I'm a student
pilot, so everything is new--I don't have to go looking for it. I am a
bit of a control freak (so was Dad for that matter). I love to just look
at the scenery; to see the world in a different way. I'm an introvert
and enjoy reading sci-fi, mysteries, and the occasional bodice-ripper
set in historical times (so I can learn some history in the process). I
don't think I've got good comm skills, and don't like doing the radio
work as I'm always afraid I'm going to screw up. I'm whole brained
(definitely artsy-fartsy, but scientifically inclined as well).

Debbie

[Ron]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:14:53 -0700, Doug Semler >
wrote:

>(Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)
>
>A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
>know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot. This has
>probably been asked umpteen times before, and will be asked umpteen
>times in the future, but I am trying to get a feel for the
>psychological aspect that causes a person to WANT to be a pilot. So
>this is directed towards non-pilots and students as well. Of course,
>every individual is different, but these 2 newsgroups are pretty
>directed towards pilots so can be taken as an unscientfic
>representative sample.

Because I love to fly.

That's the simple answer. The complete answer is far more complex and
probably not understood by even me. Part of it is the absolute three
dimensional freedom coupled with the absolute responsibility for
myself, my passengers, the airplane and others around me, and
everything on the ground beneath me.

Ron

[Jay Honeck]

> In some cases <looking in Jay's general direction> it's because it's
> an opportunity for family bonding and whathaveyou.

This description only scratches the surface of my motivation to fly.
In fact, the family bonding part of flying is more a pleasant
byproduct than a goal, to be quite honest.

I fly because I *need* to fly, as surely as any crack addict needs his
next fix. Just ask Mary what happens to me after a few weeks without
air time...

I have taken flying as far as any non-commercial pilot can, both
personally and professionally. I have infected all that I love with
my passion for flight, for better or worse. And I have a plaque on my
office wall that simply says "Flying Is Life".

It doesn't get any more succinct than that.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Bertie the Bunyip[_19_]]

"Viperdoc" > wrote in
. net:

> I am a pilot because MXSMANIC (Anthony Atkielski) isn't. This
> distinguishes me from him in many ways, all good.
>
>
>

By that reasoning about 99% of the population could become pilots. those
not in prison, institutions are sequestered to their bedrooms.


Bertie

[Viperdoc[_4_]]

>
> By that reasoning about 99% of the population could become pilots. those
> not in prison, institutions are sequestered to their bedrooms.
>
>
> Bertie

Exactly! Ninety nine percent of the world's population is better than
Anthony!

[Kevin Clarke]

Doug Semler wrote:
> (Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)
>
> A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
> know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot.
>
> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
>

Before I was born my Dad was a GA pilot (PP-ASEL). His stories got me
interested. But my interest grew much more than that. I've always looked
skyward when I hear a plane, a jet, a helicopter. I've always looked up
and wanted to get up there. School, life and baseball got in the way of
those dreams when I was a teenager. When I turned 40 I just wtf and went
for the intro flight. That was a life changing experience.

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?
>
This question describes me in some ways. I describe myself as a life
long learner. I hope that continues to be true. I was just having a
conversation w/ a neighbor about flying and being a pilot. I was shocked
with my approach to answering the questions. It really gets under your
skin and changes the way you think about flying (the technical aspect).
I was going thru the IMSAFE acronym and what that all means. It is a
great learning experience.

>
> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
>

not a control freak, but very motivated.

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"
> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
>

extrovert.
> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?
>
the latter, easily. I don't read fiction. Biz, history, politics that's
my book shelf.

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?
> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?
>
software engineer.
> Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
> when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
> psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
> (wouldn't be the first time <g>)
>
> Note:
> I was thinking about including education history (e.g. are pilots more
> likely to be college graduates) but that introduces 2 biases (age and
> income) into it. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
> in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
> better.
>
>

[Sinnerman]

> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

Yes, both parents were pilots (only for recreation, not as profession)

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")

Meh, in some aspects. I definately enjoy trying new things.

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?

New challenges that add something to my life, definately. My goal is
to try to live a life that would be interesting to read about.

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

Yes.

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?

I would rather be actively learning, not in a classroom.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.

Yes. The aspect of flying that puts one's life in the balance - based
soley on that person's knowledge and skill - that motivates me to seek
out new information.

> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"

Not an instructor..

> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

No

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"

Nah

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Whosiwhatsit?

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?

Either or

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?

As a matter of fact, yes.

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?

Right brained
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've been fascinated with aviation from a very young age. As a child,
I would go through phases where I would focus my interest on very
specific topics. One month would be an aviation nut, talking about
nothing but planes. The next month, I would be solely interested in
cars. The following month it would be trains....etc...

However, while my interest in Cars, Trains, etc. has dwindled over the
past 10 years, my love of flying and airplanes has not. Even through
my crazy highschool and early college years, I ALWAYS had an interest
in Flight Sims and aviation.

The deciding factor that lead me to actually do something real and get
my ticket was that I worked for the Air National Guard as an avionics
tech, and every day I would see the pilots come out to their aircraft
and go fly - it was amazing to think they actually did that for money.
So I thought "That should be me!" and that was that.

[Doug Semler]

On Aug 15, 11:14 am, Doug Semler > wrote:

[snip]

Huh, these have been interesting results so far (from the limited
sampling of responses). So far, it seems that family "history" of
interest in aviation is irrelevant, however, most people were
interested in flying/aviation from a very young age. Surprisingly,
the pilots that have responded thus far do NOT consider themselves
"adventerous" even though there seems to be an adverterous quality to
flying that attracted it to them from a young age. Perhaps it is a
risk analysis/management quality that most pilots don't realize?
Perhaps, especially considering that pilots have to measure risk every
time they go out. Three other things stick in my mind. The first is
that the vast majority of respondents seem to qualify themselves as
introverted. Maybe that quality contributes to the "i'm on top of the
world" solitude that one feels while alone in the aircraft? Thus far,
most of the respondents don't consider themselves to be type-a
personalities, meaning that they don't "need" to be in control of a
situation. Surprising to me, really, because being pilot in command
is the ultimate in control. The other thing is that it SEEMS that most
of the pilots responding consider themselves "both-brained" (neither
left nor right). Maybe this is a result of the computational side of
flying combined with the "art" of thinking in three dimensions.

Hmmm. More things to think about. We need a control group now <g>

[Larry Dighera]

On Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:17:58 -0700, Doug Semler >
wrote in . com>:

>We need a control group now

A control group that did not involve computers would likely yield
considerably different results.

[KAE]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:16:34 -0700, Jay Beckman >
wrote:

>They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It's probably worth a
>few answers as well:
>
>http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/69390684
>
>Jay Beckman
>PP-ASEL
>Chandler, AZ
>www.pbase.com/flyingphotog


Those photos just about sum it up.

Outstanding photography!
Your sense of composition is exceptional. But so is your mastery of
exposure in so many varied light conditions.
Nice work.

PP-ASEL
Jacksonville, FL

[Dudley Henriques[_2_]]

KAE wrote:
> On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:16:34 -0700, Jay Beckman >
> wrote:
>
>> They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It's probably worth a
>> few answers as well:
>>
>> http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/69390684
>>
>> Jay Beckman
>> PP-ASEL
>> Chandler, AZ
>> www.pbase.com/flyingphotog
>
>
> Those photos just about sum it up.
>
> Outstanding photography!
> Your sense of composition is exceptional. But so is your mastery of
> exposure in so many varied light conditions.
> Nice work.
>
> PP-ASEL
> Jacksonville, FL


Just can't resist this one!!!!

Landing a bit long there Jay?????? :-)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Dudley Henriques

--
Dudley Henriques

[Ross]

Dudley Henriques wrote:

>>
> I started out as many of you did, as a kid with a dream. As a young boy
> I sat in the cockpit of a P51 fighter and like a million other kids my
> age dreamed of flying one someday. Sixteen years later I did a climbing
> roll in a P51 over the grave of the pilot of the P51 I had been sitting
> in that day to thank him for inspiring me to straighten out my life and
> learn to fly.
> (Reader's Digest April 1985 "A Little Help From A Friend" Dudley Henriques)
> I enjoyed much of my life in aviation. I learned a lot, I taught others
> a lot, and I'm still learning. At times the road was strewn with pot
> holes. Counting friends on the jet teams, I've lost 32 friends while
> involved with the demonstration flying community.
> In retirement now, I look back sometimes and wonder if I had it all to
> do over again, would I do it the same way? I think I would.
> Aviation gave me more than I ever would have known without it.
> It was one hell of a ride!!
>

I have had a continous subscription to RD since 1970 and read them cover
to cover. I bet I read the story. I do not keep old issues though. I
wonder if RD puts old issues on the web; I'll have to check.
--

Regards, Ross
C-172F 180HP
KSWI

[Dudley Henriques[_2_]]

Ross wrote:
> Dudley Henriques wrote:
>
>>>
>> I started out as many of you did, as a kid with a dream. As a young
>> boy I sat in the cockpit of a P51 fighter and like a million other
>> kids my age dreamed of flying one someday. Sixteen years later I did a
>> climbing roll in a P51 over the grave of the pilot of the P51 I had
>> been sitting in that day to thank him for inspiring me to straighten
>> out my life and learn to fly.
>> (Reader's Digest April 1985 "A Little Help From A Friend" Dudley
>> Henriques)
>> I enjoyed much of my life in aviation. I learned a lot, I taught
>> others a lot, and I'm still learning. At times the road was strewn
>> with pot holes. Counting friends on the jet teams, I've lost 32
>> friends while involved with the demonstration flying community.
>> In retirement now, I look back sometimes and wonder if I had it all to
>> do over again, would I do it the same way? I think I would.
>> Aviation gave me more than I ever would have known without it.
>> It was one hell of a ride!!
>>
>
> I have had a continous subscription to RD since 1970 and read them cover
> to cover. I bet I read the story. I do not keep old issues though. I
> wonder if RD puts old issues on the web; I'll have to check.
They will send you a copy if requested. You can also find the complete
story in "Everyday Greatness" by Stephen R. Covey. I believe that is
available through Amazon.

--
Dudley Henriques

[RomeoMike]

Doug Semler wrote:

>
> Hmmm. We need a control group now <g>
>
>
Also need to know the profile of the pilots who have not answered the
questions. Are they (we) different from those that have?

[Jay Beckman[_2_]]

On Aug 16, 8:36 am, Dudley Henriques > wrote:
> KAE wrote:
> > On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:16:34 -0700, Jay Beckman >
> > wrote:
>
> >> They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It's probably worth a
> >> few answers as well:
>
> >>http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/69390684
>
> >> Jay Beckman
> >> PP-ASEL
> >> Chandler, AZ
> >>www.pbase.com/flyingphotog
>
> > Those photos just about sum it up.
>
> > Outstanding photography!
> > Your sense of composition is exceptional. But so is your mastery of
> > exposure in so many varied light conditions.
> > Nice work.
>
> > PP-ASEL
> > Jacksonville, FL
>
> Just can't resist this one!!!!
>
> Landing a bit long there Jay?????? :-)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
> Dudley Henriques
>
> --
> Dudley Henriques- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Now Dudley, let's think about this for one second:

I'm standing under the approach, making the photo so I'm in the left
seat....HOW!!?? :O) <BG>

Actually, this Zodiac is landing on RWY 17 but it lives down at the
RWY 35 end of the airport. I don't think it's a good idea but I've
noticed that this particular plane will land long sometimes and then
roll out to the last turn off at the far end.

Jay B

[Jay Beckman[_2_]]

On Aug 16, 7:53 am, KAE > wrote:
> On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:16:34 -0700, Jay Beckman >
> wrote:
>
> >They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It's probably worth a
> >few answers as well:
>
> >http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/69390684
>
> >Jay Beckman
> >PP-ASEL
> >Chandler, AZ
> >www.pbase.com/flyingphotog
>
> Those photos just about sum it up.
>
> Outstanding photography!
> Your sense of composition is exceptional. But so is your mastery of
> exposure in so many varied light conditions.
> Nice work.
>
> PP-ASEL
> Jacksonville, FL

Thank You .. Thankyouverymuch...

Jay B

[Jay Beckman[_2_]]

On Aug 16, 7:17 am, Doug Semler > wrote:
> On Aug 15, 11:14 am, Doug Semler > wrote:
>
> [snip]
>
> Huh, these have been interesting results so far (from the limited
> sampling of responses). So far, it seems that family "history" of
> interest in aviation is irrelevant, however, most people were
> interested in flying/aviation from a very young age. Surprisingly,
> the pilots that have responded thus far do NOT consider themselves
> "adventerous" even though there seems to be an adverterous quality to
> flying that attracted it to them from a young age. Perhaps it is a
> risk analysis/management quality that most pilots don't realize?
> Perhaps, especially considering that pilots have to measure risk every
> time they go out. Three other things stick in my mind. The first is
> that the vast majority of respondents seem to qualify themselves as
> introverted. Maybe that quality contributes to the "i'm on top of the
> world" solitude that one feels while alone in the aircraft? Thus far,
> most of the respondents don't consider themselves to be type-a
> personalities, meaning that they don't "need" to be in control of a
> situation. Surprising to me, really, because being pilot in command
> is the ultimate in control. The other thing is that it SEEMS that most
> of the pilots responding consider themselves "both-brained" (neither
> left nor right). Maybe this is a result of the computational side of
> flying combined with the "art" of thinking in three dimensions.
>
> Hmmm. More things to think about. We need a control group now <g>

Hey guess what? We have a resident Control Group built right in on
these boards:

- He Hates Airplanes
- He Hates Pilots
- He Avoids Risk Taking of Any Kind
- He Would Rather Simulate Flying (and life for that matter)
- And he is niether Left nor Right brained because he doesn't use one
at all!!

MX as Control Group! PERFECT!!

Jay Beckman
PP-ASEL
Chandler, AZ
www.pbase.com/flyingphotog

[El Maximo]

"Jay Beckman" > wrote in message
oups.com...


>
> MX as Control Group! PERFECT!!
>

You can't use him as a control group. I'm already using him in my Conflict
Resolution for Managers and Supervisors seminars.

[Jay Beckman[_2_]]

On Aug 16, 12:52 pm, "El Maximo" > wrote:
> "Jay Beckman" > wrote in message
>
> oups.com...
>
>
>
> > MX as Control Group! PERFECT!!
>
> You can't use him as a control group. I'm already using him in my Conflict
> Resolution for Managers and Supervisors seminars.

ROFL...

Jay B

[george]

On Aug 17, 5:08 am, Dudley Henriques > wrote:

>
> > I have had a continous subscription to RD since 1970 and read them cover
> > to cover. I bet I read the story. I do not keep old issues though. I
> > wonder if RD puts old issues on the web; I'll have to check.
>
> They will send you a copy if requested. You can also find the complete
> story in "Everyday Greatness" by Stephen R. Covey. I believe that is
> available through Amazon.
>
One of the greatest stories that give a semblance of what it is to fly
is Jonathan Livingstone Seagull.
The seeking of perfection

[KAE]

On Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:32:38 -0700, Jay Beckman >
wrote:

>On Aug 16, 7:53 am, KAE > wrote:
>> On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:16:34 -0700, Jay Beckman >
>> wrote:
>>
>> >They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It's probably worth a
>> >few answers as well:
>>
>> >http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/69390684
>>
>> >Jay Beckman
>> >PP-ASEL
>> >Chandler, AZ
>> >www.pbase.com/flyingphotog
>>
>> Those photos just about sum it up.
>>
>> Outstanding photography!
>> Your sense of composition is exceptional. But so is your mastery of
>> exposure in so many varied light conditions.
>> Nice work.
>>
>> PP-ASEL
>> Jacksonville, FL
>
>Thank You .. Thankyouverymuch...
>
>Jay B

What I'd like to know is how did you manage to stowaway on the Apollo
11 mission? Must have taken that photo when Neil and Buzz were out for
a stroll.

[ManhattanMan]

KAE wrote:
>
> What I'd like to know is how did you manage to stowaway on the Apollo
> 11 mission? Must have taken that photo when Neil and Buzz were out for
> a stroll.

Houston Space Center has a great display(s)..

BTW Jay, fantastic bunch of shots!!

[ManhattanMan]

ManhattanMan wrote:
> KAE wrote:
>>
>> What I'd like to know is how did you manage to stowaway on the Apollo
>> 11 mission? Must have taken that photo when Neil and Buzz were out
>> for a stroll.
>
> Houston Space Center has a great display(s)..
>
> BTW Jay, fantastic bunch of shots!!

Speaking of photos and piloting incentive:
http://www.members.cox.net/drpics/NE_1947.jpg

My first flight was from a grass strip in Nebraska in a J3, age 4, 1947 -
I'm the mean looking dude in suspenders!
First "job" (after my mowing lawns career:) was marking fields for a crop
duster (why I still have operating lungs is a mystery).
Then 4 years in the Navy, flying back seat radar operator in S2F Grumman
anti-sub trackers, with the honor of witnessing the pickups of astronauts
Shirra & Copper aboard the USS Kearsarge!! Fantastic!!
20 years after my J-3 flight, I got my PPL in 1967. Only was active for 4-5
years, but at least racked up a few hundred hours to satisfy the desire to
do it, and one eye went from fair to terrible so knew any airline
aspirations were trashed. But, I wouldn't trade the experiences for
anything!!!

Cheers'n beers.. [_])
Don

[Dudley Henriques[_2_]]

george wrote:
> On Aug 17, 5:08 am, Dudley Henriques > wrote:
>
>>> I have had a continous subscription to RD since 1970 and read them cover
>>> to cover. I bet I read the story. I do not keep old issues though. I
>>> wonder if RD puts old issues on the web; I'll have to check.
>> They will send you a copy if requested. You can also find the complete
>> story in "Everyday Greatness" by Stephen R. Covey. I believe that is
>> available through Amazon.
>>
> One of the greatest stories that give a semblance of what it is to fly
> is Jonathan Livingstone Seagull.
> The seeking of perfection
>
A good friend of ours, Art Scholl, did some of the photography for JLS.
He filmed gulls by standing in the back of a rowboat holding up some
bait for the birds. They came in and literally hovered there eating out
of his hand while they were being filmed. Then the film was slowed down
and used in the movie in slow motion.
A simple technique, but some great shots by Art.
I loved the film. In fact, my wife and I were probably one of the first
to see it in a special showing Art did for us and the Thunderbirds in a
back room at the Reading Air Show.
A wonderful show....and a GREAT music score!!!
--
Dudley Henriques

[Dudley Henriques[_2_]]

Jay Beckman wrote:
> On Aug 16, 8:36 am, Dudley Henriques > wrote:
>> KAE wrote:
>>> On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:16:34 -0700, Jay Beckman >
>>> wrote:
>>>> They say a picture is worth a thousand words. It's probably worth a
>>>> few answers as well:
>>>> http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/image/69390684
>>>> Jay Beckman
>>>> PP-ASEL
>>>> Chandler, AZ
>>>> www.pbase.com/flyingphotog
>>> Those photos just about sum it up.
>>> Outstanding photography!
>>> Your sense of composition is exceptional. But so is your mastery of
>>> exposure in so many varied light conditions.
>>> Nice work.
>>> PP-ASEL
>>> Jacksonville, FL
>> Just can't resist this one!!!!
>>
>> Landing a bit long there Jay?????? :-)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
>> Dudley Henriques
>>
>> --
>> Dudley Henriques- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
> Now Dudley, let's think about this for one second:
>
> I'm standing under the approach, making the photo so I'm in the left
> seat....HOW!!?? :O) <BG>
>
> Actually, this Zodiac is landing on RWY 17 but it lives down at the
> RWY 35 end of the airport. I don't think it's a good idea but I've
> noticed that this particular plane will land long sometimes and then
> roll out to the last turn off at the far end.
>
> Jay B
>
Actually I was only kidding. You mean this thing IS landing??? I thought
it was taking off from the angle of the shot :-))

--
Dudley Henriques

[Maxwell]

"Viperdoc" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Exactly! Ninety nine percent of the world's population is better than
> Anthony!
>

Sounds a bit on the conservative sides to me.

I would hate to consider that 10 out of a 1000 people have as much air space
(aviation content) between their ears as simboi.

[Doug Semler]

"El Maximo" > wrote in message
...
> "Jay Beckman" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
>
>
>>
>> MX as Control Group! PERFECT!!
>>
>
> You can't use him as a control group. I'm already using him in my Conflict
> Resolution for Managers and Supervisors seminars.

****. My girlfriend just came out from the other room worried that
something was wrong...literally. That was roflmao funny. props. <high five>
(p.s. thanks for the laugh!)
--
Doug Semler
a.a. #705, BAAWA. EAC Guardian of the Horn of the IPU (pbuhh).
The answer is 42; DNRC o-
Gur Hfrarg unf orpbzr fb shyy bs penc gurfr qnlf, abbar rira
erpbtavmrf fvzcyr guvatf yvxr ebg13 nalzber. Fnq, vfa'g vg?

[Doug Semler]

"Jay Beckman" > wrote in message
oups.com...

>> Hmmm. More things to think about. We need a control group now <g>
>
> Hey guess what? We have a resident Control Group built right in on
> these boards:
>
> - He Hates Airplanes
> - He Hates Pilots
> - He Avoids Risk Taking of Any Kind
> - He Would Rather Simulate Flying (and life for that matter)
> - And he is niether Left nor Right brained because he doesn't use one
> at all!!
>
> MX as Control Group! PERFECT!!


OK. I wasn't QUITE thinking that.

I was actually thinking about those that seem to follow the "psychological
profile" that I've developed and figure out why they are NOT pilots <big
grin>.

--
Doug Semler
a.a. #705, BAAWA. EAC Guardian of the Horn of the IPU (pbuhh).
The answer is 42; DNRC o-
Gur Hfrarg unf orpbzr fb shyy bs penc gurfr qnlf, abbar rira
erpbtavmrf fvzcyr guvatf yvxr ebg13 nalzber. Fnq, vfa'g vg?

[Kai Rode]

I'm still a student pilot, but I'll answer anyway.

>Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

No.

>Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
>"every day is different and brings a new challenge")

No.

>Are you constantly seeking new challenges?

No....well maybe.

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

Yes

>Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
>school than working)?

Yes, definitely.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
>about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
>something you don't know.

I'm not sure.

>Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

No, probably Type B.

>Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
>on top of the world when I fly"

More the on top of the world thing.

>Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert.

>If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
>oriented book?

Fiction.

>(For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
>good communication skills?

No, I don't think so.

>Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
>fartsy)?

Logic and Math; got a degree in mathematics. :)

>Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
>when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
>psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
>(wouldn't be the first time <g>)

Probably. :)))

[Stealth Pilot[_2_]]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:14:53 -0700, Doug Semler >
wrote:

>(Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)
>
>A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
>know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot. This has
>probably been asked umpteen times before, and will be asked umpteen
>times in the future, but I am trying to get a feel for the
>psychological aspect that causes a person to WANT to be a pilot. So

you get attracted to flying because of the romantic half truths and
stories about how wonderful it is.

bear in mind that we humans havent popped out of a factory as a result
of extensive design competitions and manufacturing expertise, we are
the result of self perpetuating biological systems that have varied
over time. in us are traces of our ancestry.
we have chemical signalling to all parts of our body. we have traces
of our reptilian past in our circuitry, traces of mamalian brain
structures and the forebrain intellect that marks us as humans.

what you experience when you fly, especially if you overcome the fear
of falling out of the sky, is enough massaging of the intellectual
combined with chemical responses that pervade the entire body that
make the experience like no other. apart from sex I know of no other
experience that so massages the pleasure systems of the chemical and
electrical pathways of the human body.

I enjoy the intellectual aspect of mastery of unseen dynamic forces. I
enjoy the flood of natural endorphins that accompanyies flying. above
all I enjoy the mastery of a pursuit that most people regard as the
most significant threat to their lives.
I also enjoy the totally non intuitive understanding of the world that
a sound knowledge of aviation engineering brings.

Stealth Pilot

[Al G[_1_]]

"Doug Semler" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> (Trying to steer a thread to the topic of the group <g>)
>
> A response of mine in another thread got me to thinking (dangerous, I
> know) about what makes a person *want* to become a pilot. This has
> probably been asked umpteen times before, and will be asked umpteen
> times in the future, but I am trying to get a feel for the
> psychological aspect that causes a person to WANT to be a pilot. So
> this is directed towards non-pilots and students as well. Of course,
> every individual is different, but these 2 newsgroups are pretty
> directed towards pilots so can be taken as an unscientfic
> representative sample.
>
> In some cases <looking in Jay's general direction> it's because it's
> an opportunity for family bonding and whathaveyou. Some cases are
> probably your run-of-the-mill "cool factor" cases. And, of course, I
> am sure that there are the cases of the "I'm better than you because I
> can do something you can't do" syndrome. But I'm wondering if there
> isn't some deep commonality amongst most pilots to which we can
> point?
>
> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

Father was an Army Air Corp Cadet, training ended by end of war.

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")

Not really, always interested in machines. (paticularly drivable
machines)

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?

They seem to find me.

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

Yes.

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?

Thirst for knowledge, absolutely. School? Hell no.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.

Always seeking.

> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"

Yes, absolutely. Sharing a success is fun!

> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

I feel better when I'm not following an idiot, and there are a lot of
'em, so yes, I'd prefer to be in control.

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"

What delusions?

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert, but I stayed in a holiday inn once.

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?

Aviation Mysteries.

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?

Yes.

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?
>
right, I guess.

> Or am I missing something soooo obvious that I'll die of embarassment
> when it's pointed out to me? Or even worse, is there no measurable
> psychological correlation to flying and I'm just out to lunch
> (wouldn't be the first time <g>)
>
> Note:
> I was thinking about including education history (e.g. are pilots more
> likely to be college graduates) but that introduces 2 biases (age and
> income) into it. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
> in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
> better.
>
No, then yes.


Ok, I've got a question for survey takers:

Are you a self starter? Did you have a paper route?



Al G

[Gattman[_2_]]

>> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
>> fartsy)?
>>
> right, I guess.

Hmm. What is "fartsy"? Was DaVinci "fartsy"?

If somebody takes the survey and says "Well, gee, I don't know...I don't
know what 'fartsy' means but it doesn't sound like me," would that stack the
results toward the right-brained?

I knew a Lt Commander who was B/N on an Intruder who would ask AOCS types
"Are you fixed-wing or one of those helo-queers?"

-c

[Doug Semler]

> [snip]
>

In addition...It also seems, that at least the posters in this group, have
*very* convoluted senses of humor....Now I don't know what exactly that
indicates though...... <g>



--
Doug Semler
a.a. #705, BAAWA. EAC Guardian of the Horn of the IPU (pbuhh).
The answer is 42; DNRC o-
Gur Hfrarg unf orpbzr fb shyy bs penc gurfr qnlf, abbar rira
erpbtavmrf fvzcyr guvatf yvxr ebg13 nalzber. Fnq, vfa'g vg?

[Euan Kilgour]

On Aug 16, 3:14 am, Doug Semler > wrote:

> Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

No

> Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
> "every day is different and brings a new challenge")

Definitely no.

> Are you constantly seeking new challenges?

Not really.

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

I wouldn't think I get bored that easily.

> Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
> school than working)?

I like learning.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
> about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
> something you don't know.

Always. To me, learning to fly is something that has a definite
start but doesn't finish.

> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
> it" or has that "aha! moment?"
> Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

I do have control freak tendencies, but I don't consider myself one.

> Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
> on top of the world when I fly"

Sometimes the latter.

> Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert, except in the company of other pilots it seems. :-)

> If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
> oriented book?

My house is littered with Aviation material while my fiction gathers
dust on the shelf.

> (For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
> good communication skills?

Yes. My instructors noted this early in my training.

> Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
> fartsy)?

Definitely left brained.

[Euan Kilgour]

Oh and I went to college.

[B A R R Y]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:14:53 -0700, Doug Semler >
wrote:

>Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?

No, other than a father who was a (K)C-97 / (K)C-135 avionics tech for
four years in the military.

>Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
>"every day is different and brings a new challenge")

Not really. But I do enjoy calculated and educated risks, like
kayaking, mountain biking... I will NOT skydive. <G>

>Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?

Yes for challenges, and no, to bored easily. I like to pursue things
to a serious level.

>Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
>school than working)?

I gain knowledge by working. <G>

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
>about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
>something you don't know.

I look it up, or seek instruction, when I'm not sure, or doubt myself.

>Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?

No. I put myself as capable as the pilot or co-pilot in many
activities. I can lead or follow, but don't enjoy not leading if
someone else isn't capable of truly leading. In other words, if I'm
not leading, someone else needs to truly accept the position and give
the commands. I don't like vague or ill-defined direction in a team
setting. If I'm alone and can fluidly choose directions as they
appear, I can be happy.

>Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
>on top of the world when I fly"

Neither.

I enjoy the "dinghy on the ocean" perspective that puts me in the
small perspective that I feel is my true place in the universe. I get
the same feeling from kayaking in the ocean and hiking wilderness.

I get a fragility when I look out of the windows at high altitude.

I'm small, but a speck. The earth is freakin' huge.

>Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

In-between.

>If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
>oriented book?

Non-fiction. It dosen't matter if it's aviation related. I do grab
a stack of Clancy, Coonts, Brown, etc.. paperbacks when I head to the
beach or need to fly commercial.

>(For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
>good communication skills?

I'm a former working musician. The radio is natural for me. <G>

>Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
>fartsy)?

Both. I'm an accomplished woodworker, musician, and sound and
software engineer. Most of my activites need a bit of both sides.

>. However maybe a question along the lines of "while
>in school did you consider yourself to be a good student" would be
>better.

I was a crappy student, frequently bored in school, but I've done well
in flight training, vocational woodworking training, music school,
etc... I do really, really, well, and have much greater retention in
hands on type exercises vs. book learning.

[Don Byrer]

OK, I wasnt goin' to reply...but your sig tweaked me...I'll post to
that later :)

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:14:53 -0700, Doug Semler >
wrote:


>Do you have a "family history" of aviation/piloting?
Nope...none...zero...zip


>Are you an adventure seeker (anything from "true" adrenaline junkee to
>"every day is different and brings a new challenge")
hmm...maybe the latter. routine sux. Very risk averse. Though...I
AM actually considering an invitation to parachute form a fellow
pilot.


>Are you constantly seeking new challenges?
see previous :)

> (subpart) Do you find that you get bored easily?
uh didnt I just say that ? Can you say ADD-ish?

>Do you have a "thirst for knowledge" (e.g. would you rather be in
>school than working)?
Some of each.

> (subpart) Do you find yourself constantly seeking out new things
>about flying regularly or do you only look it up when you run across
>something you don't know.
Yes, I do...got my Comm'l ASEL and then went out to learn to fly
gliders. I find a WIDE variety of pilots at the glider club and
always learn sumthin new...not always abt gliders!

> (subpart - for instructors) Do you enjoy it when your student "gets
>it" or has that "aha! moment?"
N/A (yet)...but I do train at work...and that's a big YES!

>Are you a "control freak" (type-a)?
mmm....hmmm...yep...

>Do you have hints of "delusions of grandeur?" or is it more like "I'm
>on top of the world when I fly"
Top of the world! No delusions...i know who I am and where I stand

>Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Havent you figured that out yet?
EX_ TRO_VERT with occasional small lapses into introversion.
(Oh, geez, now I'm bipolar as well as ADD...there goes the next
medical!)

>If given the choice, would you rather read fiction or an aviation
>oriented book?
EASY! Vixen 03...fiction but aviation...maybe Rod Machado's big
pilot book second.

Given another choice, I might rather watch the flying scenes in "The
English Patient"

>(For those that use the radio) Do you find that you have always had
>good communication skills?
Unfair advantage...Extra Class ham and lots of experience running
radio nets. If anything I'm too chatty on the radio. Doesnt help
that i know a lot of the local ATC folks either :).

>Are you left brained or right brained (logic-and-math or Artsy
>fartsy)?
Left, but finding more of the right as I get older and more patient.
(dad was way left ,mom was way right)

--Don Byrer


Don Byrer KJ5KB
Radar Tech & Smilin' Commercial Pilot Guy
Glider & CFI wannabe
kj5kb-at-hotmail.com

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth; now if I can just land without bending the gear..."
"Watch out for those doves...<smack-smack-smack-smack...>"

[Don Byrer]

On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:03:13 -0400, Dudley Henriques
> wrote:

>Larry Dighera wrote:
>> On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:14:53 -0700, Doug Semler >
>> wrote in om>:
>
>> To play among the clouds as every child imagines. Why lay on your
>> back wishing you could cavort among the cottony forms when piloting
>> enables you to fulfill those dreams?
>>
>
>My all time favorite Peanuts from Charles Shultz; an absolute genius!
>
>
>"Lucy, Linus and Charlie Brown were looking at clouds. Linus said one
>formation reminded him of Steven being stoned in the Bible, another
>reminded him of British Honduras, and another reminded him of the
>sculptor Thomas Ekins. When Lucy asked Charlie Brown what he saw, he
>said, "I was going to say I saw a duck and a horsie, but I changed my
>mind."

Was in last Sunday's paper again(in color)! One of my favorites
too. Knew it was right away...

--Don
Don Byrer KJ5KB
Radar Tech & Smilin' Commercial Pilot Guy
Glider & CFI wannabe
kj5kb-at-hotmail.com

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth; now if I can just land without bending the gear..."
"Watch out for those doves...<smack-smack-smack-smack...>"

[Don Byrer]

<DISCLAIMER---good natured fun>


OK, so doug is doin' this pilot survey thing...but his sig sez:

Doug Semler
a.a. #705, BAAWA. EAC Guardian of the Horn of the IPU (pbuhh).
----The answer is 42---; DNRC o-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The answer is 42??? OK, yes to Life , the Universe and
Everything...but...

hey buddy WE are pilots,

The REAL answers are:
------------------------------
29.92" (aka 1013mb)
15C
0'

WHAT...ELSE...DO...YOU...NEED TO KNOW? :)

'cept mebbe 121.5 just in case...

Sorry, couldnt resist!

Don...also a Douglas Adams fan :)


Don Byrer KJ5KB
Radar Tech & Smilin' Commercial Pilot Guy
Glider & CFI wannabe
kj5kb-at-hotmail.com

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth; now if I can just land without bending the gear..."
"Watch out for those doves...<smack-smack-smack-smack...>"

[Don Byrer]

On Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:39:52 -0600, RomeoMike
> wrote:

>
>
>Doug Semler wrote:
>
>>
>> Hmmm. We need a control group now <g>
>>
>>
>Also need to know the profile of the pilots who have not answered the
>questions. Are they (we) different from those that have?


hmm...are they so introverted that they won't respond...or so
obnoxious that they wouldn't?


WAIT...I fit both...does that make me bipolar?
geez, there goes the medical again...


--Don
Don Byrer KJ5KB
Radar Tech & Smilin' Commercial Pilot Guy
Glider & CFI wannabe
kj5kb-at-hotmail.com

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth; now if I can just land without bending the gear..."
"Watch out for those doves...<smack-smack-smack-smack...>"

[Don Byrer]

On Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:09:18 -0400, "Doug Semler"
> wrote:

>
>> [snip]
>>
>
>In addition...It also seems, that at least the posters in this group, have
>*very* convoluted senses of humor....Now I don't know what exactly that
>indicates though...... <g>

Healthy active minds...nothing else.

Cuz I said so :)
Don Byrer KJ5KB
Radar Tech & Smilin' Commercial Pilot Guy
Glider & CFI wannabe
kj5kb-at-hotmail.com

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth; now if I can just land without bending the gear..."
"Watch out for those doves...<smack-smack-smack-smack...>"

[Gattman[_2_]]

"Don Byrer" > wrote in message
...

>>Also need to know the profile of the pilots who have not answered the
>>questions. Are they (we) different from those that have?
>
> hmm...are they so introverted that they won't respond...or so
> obnoxious that they wouldn't?

Ultralight pilots that can't hear you and guys who don't use radios. I'd
recommend trying light signals, but, they may still be using monochrome
displays.

Or they missed the survey, like me, and only saw the replies.

-c

[Don Byrer]

OK, I should apologize for my poor ettiquette...title should have been
"42 isn't the answer" instead of sounding like I was ragging on Doug.
that was not my intent...
Doug's a great guy and is actually doing a fine job with his survey.

--Don Byrer, humbled pilot

Don Byrer KJ5KB
Radar Tech & Smilin' Commercial Pilot Guy
Glider & CFI wannabe
kj5kb-at-hotmail.com

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth; now if I can just land without bending the gear..."
"Watch out for those doves...<smack-smack-smack-smack...>"

[Doug Semler]

"Don Byrer" > wrote in message
...
> OK, I should apologize for my poor ettiquette...title should have been
> "42 isn't the answer" instead of sounding like I was ragging on Doug.
> that was not my intent...
> Doug's a great guy and is actually doing a fine job with his survey.
>


Bah. My skin is so thick from this Usenet thing that I'm surprised I'm not
inside out yet Don. Not a big deal.
<beer click smilie>

--
Doug Semler, MCPD
a.a. #705, BAAWA. EAC Guardian of the Horn of the IPU (pbuhh).
The answer is 42; DNRC o-
Gur Hfrarg unf orpbzr fb shyy bs penc gurfr qnlf, abbar rira
erpbtavmrf fvzcyr guvatf yvxr ebg13 nalzber. Fnq, vfa'g vg?