For years I heard that expression.  I always equated it with flying “in the soup” (in clouds, where you couldn’t see outside).

Smoke in California this year has changed that.  Wildfires are widespread, and at times we have had active fires that we simply could not fight with aircraft, because of the dense smoke Continue reading →

The voice was cheery.  “Xxx Aviation Insurance!”.  You could hear the exclamation point.  For many years, she answered the phone with the same cheerful tone.  As my business with them increased, and my travels spread, she would conspiratorially whisper “Are you in the Witness Protection Program?” when I would call from a landline number that wasn’t familiar.  My cell number would get an enthusiastic greeting by name.

Details were tiny “whack-a-moles” to be Continue reading →