Back in the Day...

[a64pilot]

GA airplanes belong on grass, that may be a silly observation, but grass is so much kinder on them, it’s “gives’ where pavement does not.
I have a Mooney too, and many Mooney drivers are terrified of grass, which is silly, Mooney’s love grass too. But it’s a sign of the more modern era.
What bothers me is this opinion that the manufacturers are fools, don’t know what they are talking about etc has become prevalent too, it comes from the internet experts who have something to sell, and they gather droves of fan boys who call them “combustion scientists” etc.

The aircraft and engines have remained relatively unchanged but the way they are being operated and maintained has changed.

One thing that is different from back in the day is pretty much all the airplanes there is, is all their will ever be. Used to be new ones came off the line everyday and were affordable by the average Joe. We should look at ourselves as caretakers of our aircraft, properly cared for they should out live us. I get upset with people say that live in South Fl and tie down. If asked they will tell you hangar rent is so expensive it’s cheaper to throw away an airplane after ten years and buy another than to rent a hangar.

I was only trained 40 years ago so I can’t really speak as to how it was done say previous to WWII, but I was trained by those guys. My opinion is that anyone was trained to min standards, that is trained to three point and with just enough skill set to not kill themselves, then turned loose to finish learning on their own, having been told that all they had was a license to learn.
Airplanes were cheaper back then and there was more personal responsibility, fewer Lawyers

[2066]

Probably the most accurate summary of back-in-the-day and moving forward -- thanks, Jody. And, amen RE "belong on grass" -- in any event, grass sure does make my landings look good...well, relatively . Early on I recall my instructor shaking the stick & saying "I have the plane, let me show you! And, now, you do it!". He turned me loose at 5.5 hours to practice...and to scare myself . Yes, indeed, it was & still is a "license to learn". Staying current, maintaining impeccably (aircraft and pilot) and protecting these wonderful "old" aircraft is a big responsibility. Again, thanks for the observations!

Mac

[V529]

I wasn't alive after WWII. However my Dad and uncles were all WWII Vets and all flyers, several of them instructors. If memory is correct, it was three point then wheel landings. Grass and pavement were used, the main airport was 3 runways of pavement. According to those guys.......there "were a few accidents"..............

[6643]

I wasn't alive after WWII.

Think about it...

[V529]

I wasn't alive after WWII.

Think about it...

(HA, touché!)

Ok, I wasn't born until after WWII, so thus no first hand knowledge............

Here's a mind bender for you History Buffs.........

.......from the end of WW1, 1918 until 1970 (I was alive in 1970 BTW!) is 52 years
That is the same amount of time as 1970 until today..........that will get you when you "think about it"!

[6643]

that will get you when you "think about it"!

Suddenly, I feel old...

[6183]

that will get you when you "think about it"!

Suddenly, I feel old...

John, you're probably not a day over 50 right?

[6643]

John, you're probably not a day over 50 right?

You are correct, "a day over" is not the correct answer.

[4004]

"day over 50"' = 15,881 +/- 1