What makes planes fly? Aviation Units Explained
To my knowledge, there are 3 levels of aviation enlightenment, that is to say, understanding how planes fly. The 3 levels are best represented by the following diagrams:
This is the 1st Level of Aviation Enlightenment:
Level 1 - children, non pilots, etc.
Some people never go past the first level of aviation enlightenment. Others however, enthralled by the magic that is flight, head to the local flight school and start taking lessons. This is when the second level of aviation enlightenment takes place, and a flight instructor explains the 4 forces of flight.
Level 2 - Student Pilots, anyone who reads a wiki article on what makes planes fly
Level 2 of aviation enlightenment is not exclusive of Level 1, in fact it is inclusive. Level 1 and Level 2 “magically” merge like the mixture knob controls your stoichiometric ratio for that perfect mix of oxygen and fuel. The scientific aspects of flight are understood, but the magic is *not* lost. This is where some people begin to make the transition to the 3rd level of Aviation Enlightenment.
Level 3 of Aviation Enlightenment - pilots, airplane (aircraft) owners
As with the first two levels of enlightenment, the 3rd level also merges with the first two, introducing practicality. In many ways, the 3rd Level is the most meaningful because it introduces the propelling force, money. When magic, science, and practically all come together, you’ve reached the pinnacle of aviation enlightenment.
Let’s explore the propelling force in more detail - Money. This is where Aviation Units come into play.
A local Reno pilot realized the amount of money associated with learning to fly, owning, and maintaining an airplane was somewhat, (my words here because I can’t remember what he actually said) daunting, even overwhelming; and so he came up with “Aviation Units”. An Aviation Until is equivalent to $1,000 US Dollars; but because the numbers are smaller they’re psychologically easier to cope with. Here’s how looks:
Aviation Units Table
What do you think about aviation enlightenment, and Aviation Units?