This has been an unhappy couple of weeks for basket ball fans who mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash. Over 20,000 people crammed into a stadium to listen to his memorial service this week. I can appreciate their feelings.
I want to address this accident in a little different way. The helicopter was traveling at well over 140 mph in fog. This is okay if he was relying on instruments for guidance, but if he was using only his vision he was putting himself in peril as well as his passengers. I guess the FAA, in time, will tell us what really happened.
Flying is one of my burning passions. I have had the desire to fly all of my life from the time of my first ride at 6 years old in a Piper Cub. I was able to fulfill that dream to become a Certified Commercial, Multi-Engine Land and Sea, Instrument Rated Pilot. It was one of the joys of my life to fly in God’s heaven.
While training and gaining experience I was often admonished by my instructor pilots, “Do not fly into a cloud! Lots of clouds are Cumulus Granite”! Meaning that mountains are often covered with fog and clouds. Be careful where you fly!
Today, probably 95% of the world is flying in a cloud with no understanding what peril that they are in. They spend more time planning a two week vacation than preparing for the future. You and I are the warning voice! Watch where you fly, “Don’t fly into that Cumulus Granite Cloud!” How far can you help them to see?
Have a plan of action! Be prepared yourself! Teach and share with your friends and family. Help them be an Emergency Preparedness Pilot, being able see through the ‘mist of life’ and realize what obstacles are in their future.
Join with us for a wonderful Soup and Bread Day on February 29th. There will also be a class on organizing an Emergency Support Group. We will begin at 10 a.m. For those who would like to bring some of their favorite bread please do so. See you on Saturday!
How Far Can You See?