The second thing to do with your new Remos.

Here we are, the night before Sun 'n Fun, and I'm reflecting on our past week. Cheryl and I were on a cruise last week just getting ourselves prepared for the airshow, and subsequent flurry of sales activity. It seems as though Cheryl gets a lot more excited about spending the week at an airshow, if she gets to go on a cruise on one end or the other. As some of you know, Cheryl is the real brains of the operation, so the cruise is really just a bonus. At St. Thomas, Cheryl and I, along with a couple of good friends that went with us, took a day sail on "High Pockets." We spent an incredible day with Kathleen, who is not only quite a ship captain, but a great cook. Kathleen, and here first mate Paul, were the inspiration of this next installment of what to do with your Remos.

Just take your Remos on a day flight. I couldn't help but notice how much sailing, and flying have in common. Some comparisons are obvious, such as concern for the weather conditions, and navigation, but some are more illusive. Kathleen was "pilot in command". We trusted her to pre-flight her craft and take care of her passengers. She plotted her course and provided us an amazing adventure. We sailed, we swam, we snorkeled, and feasted on Katleen's Caribbean lunch. In short, we had one of the most memorable days of our lives, with some of our best friends in the world.

Kathleen's example is one we can all follow. What is to us, just another routine day flight, can be someone else's most memorable day. I have been an outspoken proponent of taking kids flying for a long time now. EAA's Young Eagle program is excellent, but you can make just as much impact taking neighborhood kids, nieces, nephews, or children of friends. You can also make an impact on your own friends and family. The rules of Light Sport Aviation give potential pilots that are a little advanced in age, a chance to fulfill their lifelong dreams of flying. Take your passenger, fly them to a nearby greasy spoon, do a little aerial site seeing, and return. You don't need to provide a gourmet lunch, but follow Kathleen's example, be professional, plan your route and pick a nice calm day. Remember, you're the "captain" of the vessel, try and give your passenger the most pleasant flight experience you can.

And by the way, if you're ever in St. Thomas, do yourself a favor and sail on "High Pockets." Say Hi to Kathleen for us.