My Airport Sanctuary

Being a relatively newish aviation writer, I'm still amazed at what the line "I write for blah blah blah" can do.  Sometimes, it gets me something I'd never get otherwise: a free ride in a plane, behind the scenes tour, a friendship.  On the other hand, it can quickly shut doors for you.

I'm not exactly sure why, but some in aviation view any member of the media as an enemy: a snake only slightly above an FAA inspector and someone to be watched.  Yes, I know, some in journalism are exactly that.  I, however, am an 'Aviation Writer'.  In other words, that means I have aviation's interest at heart and would never do anything to jeopardize that.

That, however, is precisely why almost no one at my home airport know what I do.  I'm not sure my favorite CFI even knows I write.  It's not that I hide the fact, but I don't broadcast it either.  It wouldn't get me far; they've known me since before I ever wrote anything for money and they witnessed my training.  I'd probably get a few "they actually pay you for that" and one or two "did you tell them about the time you [insert newbie mistake here]".  My worst fear is that it would make some hesitate to talk to me.  Not that I unjustly or unfairly take what they say and use it -- never have -- I've just witnessed that happening before.