COMMENTARY DEPARTMENTS 4 20 24 26 28 30 President’s Position This time it’s personal. Letters Methodical Risk Taker. 6 10 12 Hangar Talk The story behind the story. AOPA Media Stories with enhanced content. Waypoints Under the Apple tree. AOPA Action Aviation groups unite, explore troubling issues. Proficient Pilot It’s payback time. Safety Pilot Let’s take an excursion! License to Learn Oshkosh 2011. 38 1 02 1 06 07 1 1 12 Pilot Briefing “Gucci Girls” flight. Never Again Paper or plastic? Fly-Outs Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Follow us: Facebook.com/aopapilots twitter: @AOPA_Pilot Fly by Wire Index of advertisers. Pilots Frank Donnelly. On the cover: Paul Bowen photographed the Beechjet 400XT over Southern California to accompany Thomas A. Horne’s story “The NeXT Beechjet,” which begins on page T–4. On these pages: Mike Fizer photographed a Cessna 140 over Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay to accompany Ian J. Twombly’s story “Budget Buy: Drag Your Tail Cheaply,” which begins on page 60. 32 34 Pilot Counsel Supplemental oxygen. Fly Well Stealing fire. Look for this icon throughout the issue to see Enhanced Digital Edition features. AOPA PILOT • 3 • OCTOBER 2011 AOPA PILOT • 3 • JUNE 2009http://www.Facebook.com/aopapilots