From: david@infopro.com (Dragon [David Fiedler])
Newsgroups: rec.aviation
Subject: Re: Air Lifeline experience
Date: 30 Aug 92 04:42:01 GMT
Organization: InfoPro Systems: Writers, Consultants, and Dragons

jbrown@qdeck.com (Jordan Brown) writes:

>rkaplan@netcom.com (Richard Kaplan) writes:
>> This [AirLifeLine] is an organization which in their published
>> informational brochure quotes a pilot bragging about "Despite the
>> thunderstorms....  and the fog.... we made it."

>I can't be sure, but if you're thinking of the promo piece I'm thinking
>of, some context is appropriate.

>First, for the full story you could probably dig in somebody's rec.aviation
>files from about four or five years ago... yes, the pilot was a rec.aviator.
>(Don't know whether he's still around; if so perhaps he can fill in whatever
>I'm missing.)  His name, unless I'm misremembering, is Dave Fiedler, and
>he lives someplace in the Sacramento area.

I'm glad someone remembers my name, and even the mission! But the quote 
was completely out of context, as it wasn't from me. It was from a 
series of quotes from pilot experiences in an AirLifeLine brochure I 
had helped work on. The original is included below.

>(Please pardon any errors; this is generally correct history but almost
>certainly contains mistakes in details.  It's been years since I read
>the r.a article, and years since I briefly skimmed the ALL flier describing
>the flight.)

Actually, it was pretty close. But my own flight was far less exciting (at
least, less exciting than thunderstorms and fog!).

>Note, incidentally, that ALL may well have, shall we say, carefully chosen
>their words to make the piece appear as if this valiant volunteer risked
>life and limb to save the poor suffering children; after all, it's PR for
>them and the importance and utility of GA.

It may be that the person involved did risk life and limb; it may just be
that there were thunderstorms and fog in the area and this was "hangar
flying". In any case, AirLifeLine stresses safety, and *never* asks pilots
to do something beyond their comfort level simply to finish a mission.
They also have a perfect safety record.

Anyone interested in further information about AirLifeLine is invited to
contact me, or the national office at 1716 X Street, Sacramento, CA 95818,
Phone 916-446-0995. Thanks for your interest.
--
David Fiedler    UUCP:{netcomsv,utoday}!infopro!david               AIR: N3717R
"The future is tekon."   Internet: david@infopro.com or david@utoday.com 
USMail:InfoPro Systems, PO Box 220 Rescue CA 95672 Phone:916/677-5870 FAX:-5873
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        Why Fly for AirLifeLine?

Many light aircraft sit idle most of the time, and almost every pilot 
can use a "good reason" to fly more. Why not add some real "quality 
time" to your logbook by helping people? The feeling of accomplishment 
you get when completing a mission, and perhaps helping to save a life, 
makes your piloting skills that much more important. 

Exercise your engine; knock the "rust" off your flying technique; feel
like a superhero. Whatever your reasons, the people of AirLifeLine -- and
our clients -- will thank and welcome you. After your first AirLifeLine
mission, you'll see the world a little differently, and realize that you
have made an important contribution to aviation, society...and yourself.

                   Why Do Pilots Love Flying for AirLifeLine?

"The thank you that you get from a child's smile".
-- Bill Thomas

"Despite the thunderstorms...and the fog...we made it. Later, we learned
that the little girl was totally recovered".
-- Oscar Victor

"What a rewarding experience AirLifeLine has been for me and my family.
Keep up the good work!"
-- John Furey

"Nothing like pulling up to your destination and having 30 people jumping
up and down and cheering!"
-- L.B. Burrow

"The doctor had said that the serum had come in time...the feeling I had 
when I heard those words can't be described, but it was at least as good 
as I felt when I had soloed".
-- David Fiedler

------------------------------------------------------------------------

As a non-profit, charitable 501(c)3 organization, AirLifeLine is 
supported entirely by contributions from the "private sector": people, 
companies, and pilots. Your donated time makes AirLifeLine one of the 
most effective charitable organizations anywhere. For every dollar 
donated to AirLifeLine, $2.88 is given back in services to those who 
need them. 

Each mission flown costs the National Office between $100 and $200. 
While we couldn't exist without pilots to donate their time, effort, 
fuel, and airplanes, we ask that every pilot also donate an additional 
amount to cover our actual cost of pilot phone calls, newsletters, 
forms, and postage on a yearly basis. Thank you for your emotional, 
financial, and aeronautical support!