Last Saturday I sat down at my computer to answer a few quick emails and work on some writing. I didn’t get far. I was gazing out of my home office window at the morning winter sunshine, some fresh white snow covering the landscape, and a thermometer that was hovering around the freezing mark. Yes … it’s the middle of winter here in Minnesota and it was a NICE DAY! So I did what any good aviator does when there’s a break in the brutal winter weather and went to the airport for a day of both airplane and hangar flying.
My good friend (and CFI) John Hall and I headed to one of the local airports - Owatonna Degner Regional Airport. I really enjoy these small town airports, the friendly atmosphere with other aviators around to visit with. I think I spent an hour or more chatting with Brent Langer of Langer Aviation about the maintenance projects in his shop; he was in the process of changing the floats on a Cessna 185. Yes, summer and open water will soon arrive.
Eventually I did a fresh pre-flight on the Piper Warrior and off we went into the winter sky. When the weather is nice in the northern climates, winter flying can be really nice. A developing snow shower to the west finally moved in and as the visibility began to deteriorate we made our last simulated instrument approach and landed. Yes it was another fine day at the airport.
I just finished reviewing an article for the next issue of AMT titled, "Do What You Love and Love What You Do". It's about Susan Dusenbury, retired professional pilot, A&P/IA Mechanic, and current president of the Vintage Aircraft Association. I can relate exactly to Susan's point about spending a career doing what you love. I enjoy what I do and always have; my job; my life-long aviation career; my hobby; my interests; most of my friends are aviators. One time I'll be visiting the local airport and the next one will be one of the largest MROs in the world. One day I'm talking to students about careers in aviation and the next week I'm speaking to an international audience about aviation. It's all aviation. Thanks Susan ... I stole your title. Ron
