GMAG 2019 Another Success

We are just coming off of another successful Great Minnesota Aviation Gathering, and we think that our event serves as an opportunity to oil the rusty spots of our flying skills. Let’s face it, for me to get the plane out of the barn when it is cold and snowy takes a substantial reason for doing so. The older I get the greater the inertia that I must overcome to take to the air.

The GMAG is a time for renewing many friendships with those who share the flying bug…who enjoy the thrill of taking flight, who appreciate the fine lines of an airplanes wing. It is a sisterhood and brotherhood that binds us together and it is so inspiring to me, at least, to see the smiles, handshakes, and hugs that permeate the GMAG.

Oiling up our rusty skills takes a bit of elbow grease, doesn’t it?

Many of us attended AOPA’s Andy Miller’s Rusty Pilot Seminar series at the GMAG. I found it remarkable and encouraging to see pilots that I know who are excellent aviators (with many, many hours of flight time), attending Andy’s sessions.

Being brought up to speed by an excellent flight instructor is a real treat…Thanks, AOPA!

We are never too old, or experienced, to learn and be stimulated by a skilled flight instructor.

Just as many of us with significant flight experience know, each flight offers a bit of a learning opportunity. No two flights are the same, and this is magnified when we don’t get in the air for a while. Missed Andy’s presentations? No worries, go out to the airport and ask a flight instructor to spend a little bit of time with you on the ground and in the air to brush away some of the cobwebs.

I hope I won’t let my ego get in the way of admitting that I need some recurrent training. I want to be safe. I want to come home to my wife, see my children and grandchildren, to see my friends.

I will be the first to admit that I am happy to see the 2019 GMAG in my rear view mirror, as are those who worked hard to make this event happen. EAA chapter members…you worked hard! Mike Wiskus and West Metro Aviation teammates…you worked hard! Speakers and exhibitors…you worked hard!

I hope that those who worked so hard to make this Aviation Family Reunion happen are aware of how important the GMAG, and the MN Pilots Association, is to aviation and to our personal sense of happiness. You folks were awesome, and we appreciate you very, very much.

Wishing you Blue Skies and Tailwinds.