Originally Posted by
DaveUnwin
With a view to re-visiting this debacle for my monthly column for Pilot magazine I started asking some of the aviators I respect how they'd first flown. It didn't matter if they were a 22,000hr 747 Captain, an Air Marshal, a senior test pilot with a major aircraft manufacturer, a Shuttleworth Collection pilot or a Regional Examiner for the BGA - the results were always the same. Either a T-21 or T-31, followed by a big grin at the recollection. Those responsible for the destruction of ATC gliding should truly hang their heads in shame.
Well said. But here's a thought, link those high achievers with the boys (and girls) on the street who chose to make an effort for several nights a week, and at weekends, for the chance of being around aircraft and sometimes, flying. I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that the ATC lifted many young people up, and on their way forward in life!
OAP