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| Conversation Inturruptus | Mar '08 |
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| By Cliff Robertson |
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Last July—indeed every July—is a tumultuous month for this addled actor/writer/pilot, as I indicated in last July's column. First, the National Aviation Hall of Fame, with its attendant honored pilots and aviation icons, followed by EAA in Oshkosh, with its dignitaries and icons. I am so proud, so gratified and just plain lucky to be able to fly my trusty Baron to these congregations. Weather has been happily good for the most part, and Tom and Paul Poberezny have always (for some 20-odd years) been most hospitable, as have my fellow members of the NAHF.
I first met Paul and his lovely wife, Audrey, way, way back when I arrived in a snowstorm in Hales Corner. Awaiting me on that frigid night was a steaming bowl of the best chili this pilot has ever had, made by dear Audrey and attended by the young son, Tom. Both Paul and Tom are the very soul of Oshkosh. They have nurtured it to its present standing as the world's largest and most representative air show in the world. Awards are aplenty and well deserved.
This year was no exception. I even had a chance to ride with my pal Paul in his golf cart on the beautifully manicured laws of his home. Whenever I see Paul, I am reminded of loyalty, civility and decency—qualities that at times seem vanishing in this angst-filled world. When you talk with Paul, look at his eyes and watch as he listens. He listens carefully and responds likewise. In an accelerated world where we are all chasing our tails in a mad vortex, it is such a joy to find those who have retained civility from their childhood, who show the courtesy and civilities of yore. Watching television is an example, a turbulent example of rudeness. Witness how even intelligent folk have now caught the contagion of "speech override." Witness how listeners only listen far too quickly and pounce upon the other person's speech. Watch how this contagion has passed through all stratus of life—even "intellectuals" who should know better. Rudeness rides herd on America's conversations.
P.S.
Now that I have bored all of you with my societal observations, I will now address my aviation pals. I am, alas, looking to downsize my fleet of airplanes, including my Messerschmitt 108 in excellent condition, as well as my Stampe French Aerobatic Biplane (in equally fine fettle). I am also prepared to trade my Beech Baron B58 with all the bells and goodies for a Bonanza, 1985 and later on. The Baron is ensconced in its hangar here in East Hampton, Long Island. The Messerschmitt is in its hangar in St. Louis, Mo., and the Stampe in Santa Paula, Calif. I am NOT giving up flying, let it be known. I am simply downsizing. Obviously, my musings today are a bit self-serving. But at least—at least—I didn't interrupt myself!
For further information, please contact me via email at lagmore@optonline.net or by regular mail at PO Box 940, Water Mill, NY 11976.
Academy Award and Emmy Award winning screen star Cliff Robertson has owned and flown a wide array of aircraft, including a Spitfire MK IX, a Messerschmitt Me 108, a French aerobatic Stampe SV4 biplane, a Grob Astir glider (in which he still holds a distance record) and a Beech Baron 58. A holder of single, multi, instrument and commercial licenses, as well as balloon, the pilot of many thousands of hours has accumulated many aviation awards, including EAA's highest Eagle award and the AOPA Sharples Award. He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and the American Veteran Association has honored him as Veteran of the Year. His columns will appear in his soon-to-be-published book. For more information, visit www.cliffrobertson.info.
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