Learning to Read Again

By Mark W. Danielson

While age may take its toll on comprehension and retention, advances in technology have minimized our thinking to the point that our brain is rarely challenged. Calculators are used in math classes, computers tell us when our tires and engine fluids are low, sensors turn on our lights -- we don’t even need to dial phone numbers anymore. Just talk and it dials for you. I can’t speak for everyone, but when my brain lacks exercise, it forgets things. A recent flight with my buddy Dan reminded me of that.

For decades, I regularly flew light airplanes, but I sold my bi-plane in 1985 and then stopped renting planes after 9-11 temporarily grounded the fleet. As much as I miss low and slow flying, other obligations have made it more difficult to stay current. So when Dan wanted to take me flying in his aerobatic airplane for my birthday, I was elated. However, when he handed me a local area chart shown above that depicts all of the airspace restrictions, I realized the airliner’s moving map display (also shown above) had reduced my ability to perform basic skills that I spent years training others to do. Then again, how much exercise can my brain get from an electronic display that tells me where I am, where I’m going, where other traffic is, and what the terrain and weather is like? Not that I’m complaining because I’ve grown quite fond of this technology – but when Dan handed me this chart, my brain reacted as though it had never seen one before. This revelation was rather disconcerting considering I am still a licensed flight instructor and just renewed my certificate last spring.

Dan’s single engine plane requires that we fly by visual references, and since we took off from an uncontrolled airport, we never once spoke to an air traffic controller. The rejuvenating feeling from this type of flying is magnificent and it didn’t take long to feel comfortable. Navigating by mountain peaks, highways, and lakes is much more stimulating than following an electronic magenta line. I look forward to the day when I can acquire another light airplane so I can navigate off the charts I will have downloaded onto my iPad. Hey – once you’ve experienced technology, it’s hard to go back.

While our flight was absolutely exhilarating, recurring thoughts about how I struggled with this chart reminded me of how important it is to challenge my brain. I don’t like the feeling that I’m learning to read all over again, and I was fortunate that things came back so quickly. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for those less fortunate as they try to recall things they once knew but can’t seem to find. My experience gave me a better appreciation for those who struggle in their later years. While I once believed that crafting stories was enough to keep my brain active, it’s clear that I must expand its stimulus. Reading fiction and non-fiction helps, as do crossword puzzles and Sudoku. Thinking while walking the dog exercises the brain as well as the body, and the dog is always willing to assist.

Of course, there is no way to predict what my mental or physical health will be in the future. Alzheimer’s seems to strike people as randomly as lightning. But doctors are certain that those who mentally and physically exercise will retain their capacities longer than those who sit in rocking chairs watching the world go by. Dan, I thank you not only for the flight, but also this lesson in life. I have learned to read again, and I’ll be brushing up on “old school” flying before age takes another bite out of my brain. I’ll also keep writing for as long as I’m able to do so.

Oh, My . . .

By Mark W. Danielson

A group of passengers were enroute to LA for a Cinco De Mayo celebration. The flight from Dallas was rough until crossing the line of thunderstorms. After that, the white-knuckle ride was over. Seated in 7F, the approach into LAX was superb. The cold front had cleared the air, and the Hollywood sign was clearly visible. As the aircraft neared the ground, the power came back and then the plane wobbled. Suddenly, fingers began digging into arm rests and unfortunate companions seated next to them. The wing dipped left, then right, and then the plane landed with a thump. Except for one, “Oh, my”, the cabin remained silent until the aircraft cleared the runway. Soon after, the flight attendant announced, “Welcome to Los Angeles,” in as pleasant a voice as he could muster. The cockpit door remained closed while the pilots discussed the landing. In forty minutes, they would be pushing back to do it all over again.

Most likely, anyone who routinely flies on airliners have ridden through landings like this, and more often than not, base their flying experience on the landing. Most will never know or care about what it took to get this airplane to its destination. Passengers have no reason to know that the thunderstorms along their route would have ripped their airplane to pieces had the pilots not avoided them. Nor do they have any reason to understand how gusty crosswinds can affect the landing. But in defense of all airline pilots, I’m going to explain landings in layman’s terms.

For golfers, landings are like putts. You stoop down, evaluate the terrain, maybe toss a piece of grass to check the wind, and then take your shot. You have spent years practicing your putts and yet you still miss now and then. Nine times out of ten you can sink a three-footer, but then you just misjudge your power, wind, or slope and miss. Bummer. Better luck next time.

For bowlers, landings are like bowling strikes. If you’re consistent enough, you should bowl a strike every time. Plenty of people have done it, and when you think about it, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t. After all, there is no wind or terrain to affect your ball. Blame it on your shoe or the bowler in the next lane, but this time you throw a gutter ball. Hmm; not what you expected was it? Down another gulp and try it again.

For anglers, landings are like bass fishing. Experience has told you where the fish are, how to cast, and what hooks to use. You have won several tournaments because of your expertise, and yet this time, just as you lower your net to scoop your fish, it breaks away and leaves you with nothing more than a story. Oh, so close. Cast away.

For ice skaters, you have performed the same jump hundreds of times. You have won numerous competitions since you were eight years old in front of audiences large and small. And yet this time, your timing is off and you end up on your rear, much to your coach’s dismay. Tears flow as you await your score. No flowers this time.

I could go on, but the fact is every landing is a combination of skill and luck. Every airline pilot strives to make their airplane kiss the ground, but sometimes, the conditions are beyond their control. While pilots can manipulate their flight controls, they have no control over the elements. Gusty winds can affect an aircraft as much as human elements. The most important factor in airline flying is safety, and the most important aspect of a landing is touching down in the first three thousand feet of runway. If these conditions cannot be met, then the pilots are expected to abort the landing and try it again. So although every touchdown may not be perfectly smooth, realize that it was performed safely and thank the crew for getting you to your destination. Happy Cinco De Mayo. :)

Photo by Jeffery Groener