Why general aviation is such a blessing

So much has been written and so many stories of generosity and compassion have been told over the past few weeks, but you don't hear much about how private pilots, the people with little planes who fly because they can't imagine not flying, have played a major role in the hurricane relief efforts.

General aviation gets lots of bad press -- every time a plane crashes, or a congressman wants to pontificate about national security, or a developer wants to turn a small, local airport into condos, the people who fly are put on the defensive.  They're usually painted as well-heeled, self-absorbed hobbyists, but the truth is, most pilots don't live in expensive, gated fly-in communities, or drive flashy cars.  They have regular jobs, live in modest homes, and drive older cars because every spare cent goes to feed their real passion, which is soaring above the earth and experiencing true freedom of spirit.  A large percentage of them also passionately believe in helping their fellow human beings whenever the need arises.

For the past three weeks, hundreds of people with their small planes have transported sick babies, lost children, food, water, gas cans, and even penguins, all for no pay or reimbursement, and with the cost of avgas over $4 a gallon, at a substantial cost out of their own pockets.  Why?  Because pilots understand that with the freedom to fly comes the responsibility to do it safely, and to give back to the community.

AVweb has done a tremendous job of telling some of those stories, and on the web site you can read a compilation of the past three weeks.  If you're a pilot who has helped, or someone who has been helped by a volunteer pilot, share your story here.  Post it in comments, or email me.  And for all of you who read this, spread it around.  It's my small way of saying thank you to those people who give so much and get so little recognition for it.

And if you ever find yourself with a sick child to transport to treatment in a far-away medical center, or stranded far from home with no way to get back, call a private pilot.  Chances are you'll get a ride for free and make a great new friend.