[Kharon]

Aye - "To be or not to be, that is the question."

Yes, yes, I know, it's a bit much for a Sunday sketch, however, with your indulgence; I shall construe. The 'question' stands; if aviation, other than RPT is 'to be' then in what form, doing what and how is it supporting itself? The world Ventus describes, myself and many, many others knew has all but vanished. The first thing you notice missing the 'sense of humour' and camaraderie which was much a part of the GA industry. Without that cohesion and interest the profession has become less 'sexy'. The glamour boys are now IT gurus dictating to crew how to manage a simple thing like a take off. I mention this because the 'skill' or 'sensitivity' to the aircraft on a take off roll is part of the job satisfaction; same-same as landing nicely (mathematical nice). It seems today to be sole destroying and no fun at all. As I get around a fair bit, I asked a mate once (Qantas pilot) why every landing was a rough 'thump' nowadays, rather than the satisfying rumble of the aircraft 'flying' onto the runway. "Oh, we get fined if the 'touch down' spot is measured outside of the HR 'box' and they check. So much for the beautiful game. Tragic.

"Football is not really about winning, or goals, or saves, or supporters - it's about glory. It's about doing things in style, doing them with a flourish."

There is a touch of bringing a knife to a gun fight when it comes to negotiation or discussion with the 'Authority', the Minions or, even the ghostly apparition dubbed Minister for Transport. The likelihood of a 'debate' in Parliament regarding the future of secondary aerodromes, general aviation survival or even the ridiculous make work, ego driven nonsense we call 'the rules' let alone ICAO compliance, is a dream too far. Debate costs little but time; the industry is struggling under many constraints, costs, legislative tyranny and reduced airspace and aerodrome space. Maybe its time the 'opposition' opposed the current system and dragged 'em (kicking and screaming if need be) into a full on 'discussion' regarding the decimation of a once flourishing, world class industry. The nation could do with positive.

"The Affirmative argues for a specific resolution or proposition, while the Negative argues against it."

Democracy executed as writ; wars have been fought to protect this tenet. Meanwhile, aviation must consider its fate and decide 'what' it intends to do in the way of self help to avoid becoming nothing more than a couple of hundred ultralight aircraft parked up to watch the real thing at work. There are choices : to wit:-

"Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles."

The alternative route has been writ and it has a certain wisdom;

"I do know of these That therefore only are reputed wise For saying nothing."

But they ain't that wise; there is a time to remain silent and there are times when the house needs to be 'shouted' down. Up to the non airline sector of the  industry; but, IMO it is time to be heard; or go quietly into the night. Up to you - Handing over..

Aye well; the thing sat on my bench is a 'chair', finished this morning. I'm not a great fan of 'chair making' the joinery is 'interesting' but finicky, the accuracy demanded, whilst necessary, is a royal pain. Get a joint 'off' by a couple of mil and it looks wrong at the finish - no wriggle room. Fellah wanted a duplicate of an existing antique-(ish): timber supplied. I've worked with worse, but not by much; bloody awful stuff. I reckon even the big dog blushed at the language used during the day. No matter; there's a strong South wind hammering through the orchard, cold as charity; will the dogs leave the comfort of the stove and risk the elements? They will if I whistle 'em up; dollar says the cat stays home though.

Selah-.-