----[Please read http://ercoupers.com/disclaimer.htm before following any advice in this forum.]----
Below is the text of a posting from one of the newsgroups, I know this is
going to piss a bunch of you off but read it anyway
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Listen gang, there's some hot dialog going on back and forth on this group
about flying "rights". Now, before I even begin this post, let me tell you
all flatly that I am in complete sympathy with the plight of general
aviation and I don't like restrictions any more than any of you. Also, I'd
like you all to know that I'm not interested at all in "seeing you suffer
more" as some have suggested. I'm anything but a fan of big government,
and
quite frankly, the thought of "rights" being taken away scares the living
hell out of me, because the government's record in returning these
"rights"
has been anything but pristine in the past.
That being said, let me explain a few things about "rights" and the
general
aviation system I've known for over fifty years. If some of you can read
what I'm about to say without shooting me off one of those one line "I'm
getting sick of you"........... posts, and realize that I'm in this WITH
you
instead of against you, it would be most helpful. :-)
I'm sure my view might not reflect what you are feeling right now, but
bear
with me will you, I've been around this racket quite a while!!!
First of all, regardless of how strongly you might feel about it, there is
absolutely no "rights" connected with general aviation. That went out the
window with the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, and finished off in grand
style by the Federal Aviation Act of 1958.
Oh you have rights all right!!! You have the right to purchase and own an
airplane........period!!! That's where it ends folks....right there!! The
airspace you fly in; the maintenance of that aircraft; where you move that
aircraft in the airspace; how you move that aircraft in that airspace; and
the certificate that allows you to move that aircraft; are ALL directly
controlled by the U.S. Government. Any "rights" you might have had went
away
in 1938.
The reason you don't have a "right" to fly, is closely related to what you
are discussing right now when you speak about losing freedom. Let me
explain
why !
In a totally free society, there is NO security...period! This is basic
security 101....trust me. Security was part of my business.
In order to have security, some degree of freedom must be sacrificed. This
is also security 101. This is what happened when the government took over
aviation with the CAA 1938. Freedom to do as you wished with your
airplane,
and how you controlled that airplane was sacrificed to the government for
the common good. A system of controls replaced a system of "freedom". Then
again in 1958, the government stepped in and solidified their position
with
the Federal Aviation Act. This virtually sealed you in with government
control of general aviation, and is the system we use today.
I think it's important you understand this, because all this discussion
about an alleged right to fly is flawed by premise. The reality of it
is......you have no right to fly. You fly at the leisure of the US
Government....and like it or not, that's the way it is!
About this restriction; I don't like it any more than you do, and yes,
there
is an argument for freedoms given up being very difficult to regain. Hell,
I
know that! That's why it's so damn important that you people realize how
the
system works so you can deal with it.
Blasting the AOPA is NOT the way to go. These people act as your conduit
to
government. They are your "voice". You're cutting your own throat by
pressuring them at a time like this. Even if you don't understand you
don't
have a "right" to fly....THEY DO!!!! Give them a chance to work for you
for
God's sake.
About the restriction; the country is in the midst of a national
emergency.
The government, whether you like it or not, has decided to exercise their
prerogative to place restrictions on you and what you can and can't do
with
your airplanes.
You can comply or you can complain....it's up to you; but just don't try
and
exercise your "right" to fly. You could face loss of certificate and
confiscation of your aircraft. Now, does telling you this mean I'm against
general aviation, and enjoy seeing you all grounded? Hell no! I'm on your
side!!! I also understand that my country has a serious problem right now,
and that problem MUST take priority over my personal feelings. Am I aware
of
the potential problems related to giving the government added authority
over
my general aviation interests? You bet your sweet ass I am, and I expect
to
be quite vigilant in this respect, as I would hope every one of you
reading
this will also be very vigilant. Part of that vigilance means keeping a
close eye on what outfits like AOPA are doing to protect general aviation
interests.
I'm sorry if this post doesn't paint a rosy picture for you, but the
plight
of general aviation isn't rosy right now. Operations are being hurt by
this
shutdown. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make it all go away for you
but I can't. What I can do is tell you the truth, and the truth is that
you
don't have a right to fly. The truth also is that if you exercise some
patience and just keep a jaundiced eye on what's happening, and keep
involved in a productive instead of destructive manner, the restrictions
will be lifted at the proper time. And yes, I already know that time might
not be soon enough to save some jobs!
The secret to survival for general aviation, especially at this juncture
in
time, is cooperation, not taking on the government with cries of "rights
being violated". Believe me, you WON'T beat the government!!!! Trust
me....I've tried many times!!!!
Most of you have known me for a long time. You know I shoot straight. I
sincerely hope I've reached you with this post. I mean it only as some
advice from one friend to another, not as a form of "preaching" to you. I
want to see all of you back flying as soon as possible. That's why my
fingers are aching from typing this post!
Respectfully,
--
Dudley A. Henriques
International Fighter Pilots Fellowship
Commercial Pilot/CFI/Retired
==^================================================================
EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiLm.aVzvvT
Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
This email was sent to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register
==^================================================================
<<attachment: winmail.dat>>
