Later, I've got to take someone to the airport.

Jim

WOW! Jim, I couldn't have said it better (and I didn't, because I couldn't
put it into words). This is exactly the type of mentality that I would hope
many of us would have. Growing up in the 70's, my dad used to take me to
the airport with him. There was always folks kicking tires and telling lies
up and down hangar row. Now days, at the same airport, you're lucky to find
someone just "hanging out". Most of the flyers are corporate or utility
pilots that aren't real interested in the love of flight....it's just their
job.

My brothers-in-law both have Harley's. For the money that just one of them
have put in their bike, I could have bought a 150. Put their money together
and we can have a Warrior or 172. And other than hangar rent, I'd bet money
that they spend more on their bike than I do on my 172 per year (gas not
included ). The point is, you're absolutely right. we have to build the
community and culture back. I have been into areas and airports where this
exists, but not often.

I grew up around aviation. I've always had a way to get my flying "fix". In
fact, I'm 37 and still working on my PPL. I learned to "fly" at an early
age, but never did it right or on my own until I had "time" and "money".
But, I have spent 25+ years around this same social group your talking
about. I guess part of the reason I didn't get too bothered about not
finishing my certificate was that I enjoyed the gatherings as much as I did
the flying. So, point well taken.

Now, how do we get this same attitude out to the masses? I've thought of
forming my own EAA chapter just to get the 5-10 folks that I know locally
re-involved. That's a start, but it's gonna take much more than just us.

jf