The differing communities of aviation have been apparent to me over the years. I have observed many of them, and participated in some, choosing to avoid others. The fact that I might choose to avoid, is my preference, and an indicator that I see things differently. I wish to be regarded by peer pilots, as a pilot, rather than a socializer. But, I respect the right of similar interest people to gather as they wish.
Quoted passages from another thread:
What on earth is the "gin and tonic aviation community"? What an inane comment!
Gin and Tonic aviation community
It is the part of the general aviation community that indulges in small talk and networks over their achievements at black tie gatherings
I agree with the latter part of what I have quoted. I have observed that some people associated with aviation enjoy gathering in environments which more have the elements of luxurious social clubs, than the less than clean and neat airplane environment. That is entirely their right.
However, when I see photos of pilots relaxing with a glass of "beverage", in jacket and tie, or otherwise dressed up, that goes the opposite direction from "flying" for me. That group of people are socializing with perhaps aviation as a common element.
For myself, I don't drink, I don't do small talk well, and usually, there's something which needs to be fixed on one of my planes. My aviation community will more likely be a few friends around passing me tools, or holding something, while I insert screws. When we fly as a group, we'll be dirty, smell of gas and oil, and probably somewhat wet - and we're happy that way! I know I'm with pilots when the hand offered in friendship, is greasy - I'll shake it! If a person is thinking about whether they want to shake my greasy hand, they may not fit well into my aviation community.
Everyone can socialize as they wish, and I respect that. But, in aviation, there is no less respect for the scraggly haired pilot climbing out of the aircraft with their oil stained shirt, recently ripped on a part of the aircraft and headset marks around their ears. That pilot
is aviation, and the core of the aviation community we need - they're
doing it, at whatever level. If you polish them up, and hand them a glass of gin and tonic at an annual celebration, fair enough, but in doing so, you have moved that pilot just a little further away from actual aviation.....
So to me, it's not inane to celebrate a pilot drinking from a plastic water bottle
in a plane over one socializing in a luxurious room, all dressed up, holding a gin and tonic. One pilot's opinion....