David-aviator
Well Known Member
This subject probably is of no interest to most here but it is a sure thing for all of us eventually.
Time passes, we grow up and before you know it, you're a senior citizen. (old pilot here) The older you are the quicker time seems to pass, has something to do with years lived and length of day. A day is a very long time for a 2 year old, a flash in the pan for an 80 year old.
I've been thinking about quitting lately, don't know why, its just happening. Five years ago I was not.
I still love to climb into, (put on, wear the RV-8) run a simple little check list, crank it up, check ATIS, chat with tower guys getting to runway if area quiet, blast off and become detached for mother earth. It is fun, some days a lot of fun if it isn't too bumpy. Sight seeing along the Missouri River west of St Louis is interesting, relaxing and a favorite thing to do. Some days climb above clouds to 6-8000' and do vey mild aerobatics. It's being up there, perhaps nearer to God, that makes it so enjoyable. Something pilots do and cherish.
So why the thoughts about quitting? I don't know. Maybe someone here has had similar thoughts and would share them.
One factor may be becoming too relaxed in an airplane. There is a thin live between being fearless (relaxed) and carelessness. Example, I force myself to use a simple check list...probably could survive without it, but experience tells me such habits are a good idea in this business.
Incapacitation in flight? I think about that a lot. At age, 77, I could drop dead anytime without warning. It happens. I feel good but am not going to live forever. I guess bottom line with that thought is what does it matter, sitting on couch drinking a beer or flying, either way it is over. I guess sitting on couch, a quick trip to hospital may put off inevitable for a while. They say if heart attack is not fatal right off, getting to hospital within 4 hours is good idea.
Is there anyone here who has a quit and would share their thoughts on the subject?
Thanks.
Time passes, we grow up and before you know it, you're a senior citizen. (old pilot here) The older you are the quicker time seems to pass, has something to do with years lived and length of day. A day is a very long time for a 2 year old, a flash in the pan for an 80 year old.
I've been thinking about quitting lately, don't know why, its just happening. Five years ago I was not.
I still love to climb into, (put on, wear the RV-8) run a simple little check list, crank it up, check ATIS, chat with tower guys getting to runway if area quiet, blast off and become detached for mother earth. It is fun, some days a lot of fun if it isn't too bumpy. Sight seeing along the Missouri River west of St Louis is interesting, relaxing and a favorite thing to do. Some days climb above clouds to 6-8000' and do vey mild aerobatics. It's being up there, perhaps nearer to God, that makes it so enjoyable. Something pilots do and cherish.
So why the thoughts about quitting? I don't know. Maybe someone here has had similar thoughts and would share them.
One factor may be becoming too relaxed in an airplane. There is a thin live between being fearless (relaxed) and carelessness. Example, I force myself to use a simple check list...probably could survive without it, but experience tells me such habits are a good idea in this business.
Incapacitation in flight? I think about that a lot. At age, 77, I could drop dead anytime without warning. It happens. I feel good but am not going to live forever. I guess bottom line with that thought is what does it matter, sitting on couch drinking a beer or flying, either way it is over. I guess sitting on couch, a quick trip to hospital may put off inevitable for a while. They say if heart attack is not fatal right off, getting to hospital within 4 hours is good idea.
Is there anyone here who has a quit and would share their thoughts on the subject?
Thanks.