Stay In Touch With Your Roots and Your Passion

Why did you decide to get involved with, or perhaps pursue a career in aviation? For some it was a logical step after time serving their country in military aviation, for others perhaps family members worked in the industry, or for others maybe it was just a job.

I recall as a youngster being intrigued with airplanes and would run outside to watch as one would fly over my parents country home. Eventually my father took me for my first airplane ride and then my next airplane ride. So as the saying goes … the rest is history.  

I knew from a young age that I would be involved in aviation and I still am. I credit my father for his support and encouragement of my wanting to become an aviator.

After taking a bit of a break from flying the past few years, I recently took my Biennial Flight Review and have been back flying one of the Cubs at Stanton Airfield; the local fun airport where I live in Minnesota. I’m well known there and have been involved as a volunteer doing any number of things for decades. It’s been nice to get reacquainted with old friends and new faces.

Last Sunday the weather was sunny, warm, with a light breeze from the southeast. It was a perfect spring day to go and just hang out at the airport. It was a busy day with numerous small airplanes coming and going. It’s great to see the activity in an otherwise tough general aviation climate right now.

Eventually the visiting and hangar flying was interrupted by the usual chores of helping to move airplanes, pumping some fuel, and greeting a few aviators as they flew in to have an ice cream treat and watch the gliders launch on the beautiful grass runways. Yes … this is why I do what I do.

Regardless the weather it’s attending one of the largest airshows in the world, a small local aviation group meeting, speaking to students about a career in aviation, interviewing someone for an article, or just hanging out at the local airfield, I am an aviator first. It’s not a job it’s a lifestyle and most true aviators will say the passion never really goes away.

Get back to your roots and visit the local airport. It’s good for the soul.

Ron