In the April issue of EAA’s Sport Aviation, the Plane Talk column by Lauran Paine Jr. contains what he calls “self-evident truths”. Although these truths don’t technically raise legal issues, ignorance of or indifference to these truths has resulted in a great deal of FAR violations and also accidents. For the sake of safety and compliance, it is good practice for pilots to keep the following in mind:
1. Gross stupidity is usually met with a bent airframe.
2. The first chance you take is a precursor to your first mistake.
3. An aircraft in un-airworthy condition is best left on the ground.
4. In airplanes and on ski slopes, stay within your limits.
5. Ice ignored is your first mistake.
6. The sooner you call a halt to a bad situation, the better.
7. A good attitude can overcome many ills.
8. The closer you get to the ground, the more in control you must be.
9. Good planning now means more fun later.
If you understand and follow these truths, you are well on your way to avoiding the wrath of the FAA and/or an accident or incident. As always, fly safe and fly s
