Fast

Sometimes in the air things happen very fast.

Far from the ground there is much time to react, 
But what should a pilot do when the ground is near?

Far from the ground, the old-timers recommend that the 
Pilot wind the clock, slowing time. 

If the craft has come apart there is naught to be done. 
If the craft is intact then allow its continued flight. 
Consider essence.

Near the ground there is no room for error. 
Make some by burning essence to climb. 
Do not be near the ground. 
Finesse allows the best climb.

Then try again. 

The Club

Flying clubs have long been a good way for pilots to reduce expenses and foster fellowship.  But:

• A few weeks ago one of our members, too cheap to take the airplane into a heated hangar for deicing, attacked the wing with a scraper.  I discovered this while deicing the airplane in said hangar. "Nobody ever told me not to do that" was his weak defense.  Then "What do you recommend rather than paying $25 and waiting an hour?"  My angry reply: "Pay $25 and wait an hour, just like I am doing right now!" The damage is cosmetic but...
• A few weeks ago one of the members closed the rear door to the Cherokee Six with his hand on the plexiglas; of course the hand went right through.  Not bothering to see if it was airworthy, he flew it home, and several other members flew it later.  When I saw the damage I grounded the airplane.  He took on the responsibility of repairing it, but he did it on the cheap and it looks like crap.  I hate it when people do this to their own airplanes, but this is my airplane!
• Now the POH in our Archer is missing.  Lots of finger pointing but nobody taking any responsibility.  I grounded the airplane until it is found.  This is an insurance company's dream come true, right?  A legal excuse to deny any claim.

Anybody know a nice four-place single for sale?  There's a rumor of a seldom-flown Tripacer on the field that may be available...