I just got a National Pilot Alert from AOPA president Craig Fuller that reallly got my attention.  The TSA has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) which, if enacted, will apply commercial air carrier security measures to General Aviatiion aircraft weighing more than 12,5000 pounds, regardless of how those aircraft are used.  Thus begins the death knoll of Corporaate Aviation for starters to be followed shortly thereafter by all of General aviation.  Why?  Because once the bureaucratic train starts to rumble out of the station, there's no stopping it.  It will feed on its own publicity and with the current power vested in one party controlling both houses, big, big, bigger government is the future.
  The 110,000 TSA employees will grow to half a million to try to enforce the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) which, if enacted, will apply commercial air carrier security measures to General Aviation aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds, regardless of how those aircraft are used.  The proposal fails to recognize the inherent differences between private and commercial aviation, and it attempts to impose expensive and unnecessary regulations without justification.
  I, personally have been directly involved in all aspects of the industry; private, corporate and commercial for more than 65 years.  Unless I have been asleep for that time there is no record of any private or corporate aircraft having been a threat to national security.  And, that is exactly the target of the (NPRM) TSA proposes.  In my opinion, it is simply a ploy to grow government and push our nation deeper into the throws of socialism.  I am a proud member of AOPA along with more than 400,000 others.  Perhaps my critical comments will put my name on the "Terror Watch List" that already numbers more than one million. So I have one request and that is the bastards spell my name correctly.

Captain A. L. "IKE" Eisenhauer                                     












S

                                                                THE POWER OF FAITH, THE MAGIC OF DREAMS

  Jesus, the Christ, was credited with walking on water.  Now, whether or not he actually did or it was simply a mental picture claimed by His disciples, I do not know.  My wife, Patricia, an ordained minister and Doctor of Divinity, is a very spiritual woman teaching me many different ways to perceive every day occurences.  Even deams we have.  Sometimes I agree with her and other times rhe realist in me pretends to understand the "whoo-whoo" stuff to keep peace between us.
  But, this I do know.  Several nights ago I had a dream in which I was visited by a very dear and long time friend, "Jim" Helle.  His full name is James A. Helle.  What he was doing in my dream is not exactly clear but I do remember the two of us were reminiscing about our early days.  We first met in 1948 as young men thrown together fresh out of college entering into a new world as candidates in the Navy seeking our mutual goal to become naval aviators.  Because my last name begins with E and his H, odds had it that we became room mates.  We also ended up in the same pre-flight class and completed our primary flight training at the same time.  We even went to advanced flight training together and managed to be room mates.  But, the Navy put Jim into heavy flying boats and me into four engine patrol bombers.  We still raised hell together all during advanced flight training and received our coveted wings of gold together on the same day.   That time in both our lives was when the world was "our oyster," and life would go on forever.  But, we know it really doesn't.  Here's the story.

  In the morning I asked my wife if she had Jim's number.  I just wanted to talk to him and renew our relationship that had fallen aside for a couple of years.  These thing happen despite good intentions otherwise.  But, the day didn't turn out the way I wanted it to.  When I called the number my wife had given me I got a recorded message telling me to leave my number.  I did.  Several hours later Jim's wife, "Rita,"  returned my call.  "Of course I remember you, Ike."  The two of them had visited me several years earlier in Winter Haven,FL.  Jim knew I was a judge at the annual Lakeland Sun' N Fun aviation gathering and wanted to bring his son, " Jimmy," to the show.
  When I heard from her I asked to speak to Jim, she hesitated for a moment and said, "Didn't you know that Jim died over a year ago?"  I was stunned.  "No," I answered her.  "Nobody ever said a word.  I never knew."   After several emotional minutes between me and Rita she finally told me that Jim succombed to lung cancer.  It finally did him in.  I shared my dream with her and tried to tell her how unreal the whole thing was because in bits and pieces it covered more than sixty- years.  Like our Navy years, Jim being my best man, me getting him his first job in corporate aviation after we both left active duty, him having four daughters and finally a son after I sired three sons and no daughters.  It was a wonderful dream for me.  But, it was a dream.  Or was it?
  
  I chose to imagine that Jim just stopped by to finally say, "good bye."  I will spend time with my buddy again; but not in this life.  
These words are simply meant to honor a man I have always respected.  A man I will miss in this life, a brother naval aviator and finally, a brother QB.

  Captain "IKE"  

  I listened to an inspiring news conversation relating to the history of our country and why we always come out on top.  William J. Bennett (author of the best selling book "The American Patriot's Almanac) in a TV interview with Joe Scarborough (MSNBC "Morning Joe," were agreeing on the need today to study the incredible history of our country and how we have survived so many trying times in the past.  They discussed the automobile industry  being the backbone  of our great success in WW 2.  They commented on how we as a nation, recovered from the Great Depression.
  Each time we had the necessary leaders and attitude to not only make it through these horrendous times but to grow stronger and become the world leader.  We are a country that is looked up to by so many nations.  We are a world power today and the country that sets the standard for so many others.  I agreed completely with all their comments.  I, too, know the marvelous history of our nation.  We are capable of many victories yet to come.
  After the segment finished I began to mull over the platitudes.  I was then reminded of basic survival training.  Anyone who has flown as a passenger on a commercial airline is familiar with the demonstration provided by flight attendants before the aircraft is cleared for takeoff.  After the demonstration of the use of the life vest is explained, the proper use of the oxygen mask is also included in the survival technique if the aircraft would lose pressurization for any reason.  Loss of the primary source of breathing at high altitude (the pressurization) will automatically cause the oxygen masks stored over each seat to deploy and drop down in front of each passenger.  The procedure to use the oxygen mask is to pull it down to start the flow of oxygen, place the elastic cord around the back of your neck putting the mask over your nose and mouth and breathe normally.  You are reminded to put your own mask on first before trying to help others.  THERE IT IS!  So here is my question.  How can we be a world leader  if we cannot govern and control our own country?
  Our oxygen mask is presently out of reach.  Our banks and investment institutions are in a state of chaos.  Our automobile industry is
 becoming more unmanageable every day with no positive solution that makes sense short of a bankruptcy.  Congress cannot agree on any kind of cash bailout short of nationalizing the automotive industry, one step short of socializing an American institution.  Which would ultimately become disastrous allowing the government to enter into an area it is unfamiliar with.  No help is being given to families losing their homes.  Currently, they are eligible for assistance if they are not in default and have EXCELLENT CREDIT.  It doesn't require brilliance to know if you meet the present government criteria, you don't need any help.
  Soon, all too soon, the credit card crunch will become a factor in this insane race to deplete our country of its assets and strength.  If you factor in our military obligatiions and deployment around the globe, and the impact of illegal immigration further draining our
resources, I suspect we will require a, VERY LARGE SUPPLY OF OXYGEN!
  Let us return to history.  I think of the Roman Empire.  I remember the Norse conquests and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic.  History is filled with great nations, strong unions that eventually vanished.  In every case their weakness develope from within.  By the time they recognized the problem it was too late to reach for the oxygen.
  Our wonderful land, this beautiful United States, may require artificial resuscitation to recover.  We need to mend our own fences first then reach out to help others.  Study history and learn from it.  Reach out and breathe deeply.  America needs your help now more than ever.

  REV.  PATRICIA EISENHAUER, D.D..
 

  Yeah, the news media may have a point in starting the day out being critical of the way in which the top three auto makers came to Washington in their corporate jets wanting a cash bail out.  But, those stupid bastards in Congress have a short memory when it comes to some of the things they did when corporate aircraft owners and operators provided them with "free" transportation during their need to move fast and furious all over hell and back again to be seen and heard by constituants.  I know. Because I have a record of some who took advantage of this convenient method of getting where they had to be to satisfy their demands and never paid the bill they were given for this unique service.  I don't know of any of my former bosses asking the government to settle the open account for the politicians with a short memory.  And, when I see the fat faces of screw ups on TV pointing the finger at others for the same thing they did it doesn't  wash with me.
  Since I left active duty with the Navy after Korea I went into corporate aviation full time.  I knew that as the country was poised to grow, the needs of large industry was going to require that its movers and shakers have the ability to travel to places that scheduled airlines didn't yet fly to.  This was the selling point that built the use of private aircraft by large corporationgs to the multi-billion dollar level.  The level that found its way to Washingon in the past several days.  Because without the use of this method to move its key people to places all over the globe to be competitive  they would have failed at their mission.  A corporate jet sitting parked while its owner tried to fly on a commercial airliner that may, or may not, keep its schedule doesn't make much sense when the stakes sre high.  Whether or not their timing was right to show up with hat in hand for a bail out, the jury is still out.  But, my complaint is that these elected failures sitting behind microphones pointing fingers supported by media flunkies seeking headlines are pathetic. The majority of viewers watching TV don't know any better.  They can't think for themselves.  The TV commentator thinks for them and they simply follow the theme of the program.  
  Personally, I'm not happy with the deep hole the auto industry is in.  But I don't need a degree in economics to understand that this problen started many years ago with the burdens piled on by union demands and threats.  Whether or not some of them were unreasonable the fact is, one day you have to pay the price for some of the demands.  That time is now!  And, they don't have the money.
  I don't own any foreign automobiles, only Ford and GM sit in my stable.  I don't hold my breath for any long term guarantee by our domestic car makers to cover their warrantee.  I buy my own warranty but the hype on telling all of us if we deny the "bail out" of our auto industry we will lose in many areas that will bring us down as a capitalistic economy.  Bullshit!  If a chapter 11 bankruptcy will get the industry out of its hole, then so be it.  Let it happen.  If corporate aviation can't hold its own, let it happen.  I don't think bureaucrats with short memories will settle this problem.  Only citizens with the ability to see through all the smoke and just maybe, elect  politicians who may just learn the word "honesty" instead of speaking out of both sides of their mouth, like Barney Frank. 

 

     You won't find him in church on Sunday morning.  You can catch him polishing his Travel Air or helping another pilot with his aircraft project. He also will not be one of the "I can do it better" talkers who congregate at the airport FBO (in any town across our country).  Not that he can't and won't tell dozens of stories about the original aviators in history.  This 54 year old has studied and read about Steerman and Beech as well as Howard Hughes, who knew his father, and Chuck Yeager of jet fame.  Still this special aviator prefers offering  a "touch of history" and nostalgia to each passenger he flies in his 1928 Travel Air bi-plane at Jack Edwards Airport located in Gulf Shores Alabama.
     Bar Eisenhauer is his name and he may well be remembered for many achievements in aviation including artictically restoring classic and antique aircraft.  To one family, Bar will be especially revered for a flight on October 31, 2008.  Jim Griffin,  a former WW 11 gunnery Captain on B-24's, served his time and his country well.  Upom retirement he became a Chaplain to the aviation community in and around Gulf Shores.  He was a familiar face around Jack Edwards Airport visiting with friends at the airport and helping all comers get acquainted with the rules and the local traditions.  Jim was especially pertial to assisting Bar and his lovely wife Dannie in thier "Bird of Paradise" project of flying passengers on sight seeing flights over the Gulf of Mexico and the beautuful countryside of southern Alabama.
     Jim became ill early last year and eventually needed hospitalization in Spanish Fort, Al. in a nursing home.  Especially distressing was his attempt to make the trip to Gulf Shores recently to attend a special meeting of the Ancient Aviators, of which he was one of the founders.  Jim wanted to hear Bar's father, Captain A.L. Eisenhauer and his presentation.  With the aid of hospital staff and his wife, Jim made it as far as the auto and had to give up.  A visit from Captain Eisenhauer and his wife to the hospital the following day helped to cheer Jim up.  These two ancient aviators swapped stories about yeateryear.
     On October 31st Bar received a telephone call from Jim's wife Dottie that he was fading and the family had been notified.  That is when Bar made a decision to "take Jim on one more ride".  He cranked up the Travel Air and headed north.  He circled the nursing home several times at low altitude.  Jim heard the sound of the radial engine that is unique to a Travel Air and made his family aware that he recognized its special tune.  As his family watched him fade and die, Bar felt "a presence" in the front seat and knew that Jim was enjoying his last flight here on earth.
     The major difference Bar may have noted is how difficult it is to fly any aircraft with misty eyes.

                                                                                                                                                                                Mrs. A.L. Eisenhauer

FELLOW AVIATORS          
  All the political crap that clogs the TV and radio can get any thinking person confused and frustrated. Forget about the professional lies the paid spinsters receive millions for to bash each other and direct your attention to the WALL STREET BOY'S problem.  It has a hell of a lot more impact on your life than WHO the next professional political liar occupies office.  It's been lurking for a long time.
  Think about this.  Do you think you should bail out some stupid idiot who couldn't think any further than his TV or the offers sent in the mail?  With a mentality and IQ at room termperature no more sophisticated than, "We can charge it. We ain't got to pay for two years, The agent says we don't need any money down so we can get a new house, a new car, a boat, new TV, cell phones, etc., You don't need a Doctorate in economics to conclude, "Somebody has to pay the final bill!"
  Well, it isn't going to be this Ol' Captain. Enough is enough is not the end, I'm not going to stand for it!

VOTE WITH COMMON SENSE THIS TIME, YOU MAY NOT GET ANOTHER CHANCE.

  As I always try to start anything I have to say as simply, "my opinion" that's what this is all about. I saw that President Bush took off from Washington a couple hours ago to check up on the devastation on the Gulf coast.  Gee, he was using a Boeing 747 that was probably identified as Air Force One.   What got my attention was the fact that  on July 17, 1996, a Boeing 747 that just left New York on its way to Paris blew up off Long Island.  That was more than twelve years ago.  And do you know what?  The official l reason promoted by thousands of hours of investigation boiled down to a, " frayed wire sending a signal from the center fuel tank was the culprit."
  Can you just imagine how absolutely impossible that this final NTSB report could be nothing more than a cover up because "Big Brother" can't face up to a mistake? 
  I have spent more than ten years reviewing anything I could find about this unfortunate incident and I still come up with the same conclusion. TWA 800 got hit by a missile by mistake.  Call me a nut or anything else that fits, but give me credit for being a Captain with more than 41,000 hours. including a supporter of the Boeing company who builds the best air craft you can fly in.  Do you think, for just one minute, that a company with a history of making aircraft that saved this country during war, would screw up during peace time to construct an aircraft with a potential fault to kill innocent passengers going to Paris?  A lousy frayed wire?
  Somebody had to answer because the NTSB is a government agency t hat had to come up with some reason.  They are bureaucrats and you have to be one to know one.  And I certainly do.  Cover your ass is the key word.   Hide the truth.
  I have one request for anybody reading my opinion, do the research on your own time and see what you come up with. Oh yes, do you think that the Boeing 747 President Bush went to Texas in this morning had everything that the NTSB said was a possible failure in the wire was taken care of? On a pig's ass it was.

"What I think about AVIATION and the mistakes that killed thousands" is not to set a theme for unfavorable
events that have been a part of aviation from the beginning.  It's to dig into t he history of human failure (flight crews) associated with errors that have contributed to countless incidents,accidents and disasters,  Because eleven log books and enough air time to have made forty round trips to the moon maybe gives me a slight leg up on credibility to comment on a subject I am quite familiar with.  And five decades of research and investigation revealed the fact that the majority of events leading to aircraft incidents and crashes don't happend because the airplane broke.  They happen because of human failure.  I will blog on this topic many times in the future and look forward to comments.
We build better aircraft with virtually every fail-safe component possible but we haven't yet come up with a solution to the human factor in the equation.  I could pull up a shopping list of aviation mishaps but since we just passed the second anniversary of one most of you may remember (Comair Flight 191, August 27, 2006) I would urge you to simply educate yourself by letting your computer give you the facts.  As for me, the list of mistakes spelled disaster from the git-go.  What's interesting is that finger pointing from many sides showed that there is no solution.  You just have to take your chances and go with the odds because millions dodge the bullet every day.  That's damn good odds.  
   

TO MY AVIATION BROTHERS
This is the beginning of my BLOG effort and it will become an on-going means for me to share my life (sixty-six years) in aviation.  Also, I will sneak in a few chapters from time to time from my new book to keep your interest and welcome any comments from beginners to old farts like me with a lot of air time.  After all, from the mouths of babes often comes questions we have long ago forgotten the answer to.

                                                                    
                                                                               
                                     Captain "Ike"