Author Archives: Joe Clark

Passing Gas

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Joe Clark

A pilot spends his or her entire life avoiding other traffic (code for not hitting another airplane in mid-air). And then one day, he or she becomes a military pilot. The next thing you know, someone says, “Go up and … Continue reading →

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My Favorite Student

Posted on August 24, 2010 by Joe Clark

Becky was a wonderful person.  From the moment I first met her, she was on her way to becoming one of my favorite students.  Becky came to me by way of a fellow airport bum and friend, Dave, a pilot, … Continue reading →

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True Solitude

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Joe Clark

In yesterday’s blog, I touched on the peculiar sense of solitude found only in flying alone.  I have spent my fair share of flight time flying solo.  In my Part 135 days, I was alone from Sunday night to Friday … Continue reading →

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You Are Cleared to Blah, Blah, Blah

Posted on August 22, 2010 by Joe Clark

There is something I don’t understand about the new pilots who are learning to fly in these modern times.  Many are all for flying, but they must have the radio to do it.  And GPS.  They can’t go anywhere without … Continue reading →

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Engine Failures

Posted on August 21, 2010 by Joe Clark

Last week I told the story of my first engine failure in Joe’s Luck.  Looking back from the vantage point of 30 years, it’s pretty funny.  At the time, however, it lacked any humor; it was not until I slept … Continue reading →

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Unpretentious Writers

Posted on August 20, 2010 by Joe Clark

Writing is a difficult thing to accomplish at times. Few have the ability to write, fewer still have the ability to write well. Most writers have to work very hard at writing, but occasionally, a writer comes along who is … Continue reading →

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Why You Should Fly That Old Taildragger

Posted on August 19, 2010 by Joe Clark

My friend, Ray, is fond of saying, “ ’Bout the time you start feeling comfortable and think you have everything under control, you suddenly see a bright flash going by the right side of your cockpit.  About a second later, … Continue reading →

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Modern Day Writing Tools

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Joe Clark

We were on a road trip, having shut down production for a very rare moment.  Typically, we work close to 14 hours a day and through the weekend.  It reminds me of my days in the Navy when I was … Continue reading →

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Strawberry Fields Forever

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Joe Clark

OK, so I was arcing about the web reading other blogs last night and came across FlyingGma’s Blog about going to a fly-in with the top down.  She and her husband started out on their motorcycle, but then changed their … Continue reading →

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Vacuum Cleaners

Posted on August 16, 2010 by Joe Clark

My friend Mike commented he wanted to “see/hear” more A-7E stories.  I read his email just before going to sleep last night, so of course, I was thinking of the days of the Corsair as I drifted off to sleep.  … Continue reading →

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