The Summer I Learned to Let Go of the Edge
One of my favorite jobs ever was lifeguarding at a developmental center for people with intellectual disabilities. The two men I remember most taught me opposite lessons about strength.
The Day We Set Our Boss's Land on Fire
On our first day working for Mr. Bowden, we nearly burned down his mobile home park. What he did next is why I worked for him three more years.
The School of Life
There’s no substitute for the school of life. Each of us is enrolled, like it or not. But we should like it. It’s the finest education money can’t buy…
Don't Look Back
Someone once asked me if my airplane had a rearview mirror. While it might be useful for keeping an eye on the kids in the back seats, there’s…
The Holy Ground of Boeing
For those that read Weather or Not, you know I planned to fly myself to Atlanta for the weekend. The universe apparently had another idea for me since a wicked line of thunderstorms barreled through the…
Weather or Not...
I’ve been thinking about the weather lately. This weekend, I’ll fly my plane to Atlanta to join my…
Find Your Balance to Find Your Wings
Balance is critical in aviation. Flying a plane that has a center of gravity too far forward or aft invites trouble. You can stare at the outside of a…
Unexpected Turbulence: Navigating Life's Jolts
This might come as a shocker, but aviation weather forecasters don’t always get it right. The accuracy level they’ve achieved in recent years is phenomenal, but you can bet there are times when…
Sustain or Drain? Minding the Company You Keep
Flying sustains me. When I walk away from my airplane after a flight, I have tremendous energy, and I’m ready to …
What Are You White-Knuckling?
A trimmed plane flies itself. I was making it hard because I believed it was supposed to be. What are you white-knuckling?