With the tough job that the Transportation Security Administration has on their hands, and their (mostly deserved) reputation, imagine my surprise recently at the Milwaukee Airport just after going through security.  As I was putting my shoes back on, rethreading my belt, and stuffing the change back in my pockets, I happened to look up at a sign near the security area exit.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to fly a US Airways jet to Reno, Nevada for a conference.  Usually I'm a customer of AirTran or Delta, as I live in Atlanta, so this was a new carrier for me.  Since the media regularly broadcasts the latest shenanigans of the various airline "brain trusts", I was aware of the baggage surcharges that probably awaited me.  Since I was going to the conference to make pictures, I had a fair bit of photo gear in my bag, which put it over the 50 pound limit.

I write this entry today with the knowledge that General Aviation has taken a beating in the press lately, mostly as a convenient whipping boy. There is no rational reason for it, other than an unexplained bias that seems to be inherent in our media. Although only indirectly related to GA, what follows deals with military aviation, and with what a well trained, organized, and coordinated group can do, in a short time, and under extremely trying circumstances. Some of you may know that I'm an Army veteran, having served almost 11 years in various command and staff roles as an Armor officer, both in the USA and Germany. My dad was a Green Beret for most of his 22 years of service, including two tours of duty in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. My little brother followed in my dad's footsteps, and just retired two years ago, as a Green Beret, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He commanded a Green Beret battalion in Afghanistan...twice. Needless to say, my family has an intimate knowledge of what it takes to serve, and we still follow with great interest the activities of our military.

Another Airventure has come and gone. This year the reported attendance was up to 575,000 for the week, the “North 40” campground was full on the first day, and there were more RV’s than Cessna’s for the first time ever. Some attribute the record breaking attendance to the poor economy, as there is some historical evidence that suggests when the economy is ailing, airshow attendance increases. Haven’t heard any definitive evidence, but there seems to be enough of a correlation that there might be some truth to that belief. In any event, the week was an overwhelming success, despite the economic doldrums.