Originally Posted by
SewerPipeDvr
I don't usually post much down here but this hit a nerve. One of my Captains learned to fly in San Diego. His first instructor was Pilot Certificate #975. #975 was taught and signed off by one of the Wright brothers. Can't remember which one. My Captain flew B-25s out of India in WWII. That must make me old. And the San Antonio Sewerpipe was work, but fun work. Kept you on your toes. How bad did we have it back then? Try night IFR in a TravelAire hauling checks with no vacuum system working. Needle, ball and airspeed. If the engine works and the lights are on, fly it or lose your job. Whippersnappers got it too easy today.
Yep and when you crash into a school yard full of children you can tell their parents what a great pilot you are for getting the job done at any cost. The FAA now has a book called an MEL. It's designed to take the testosterone out of decision making.