ORIGINAL: Giant_Scale_Gasser
If I am maidneing a new airplane that I have say $3000 or $4000 invensted in... I'll make sure my fellow club members are okay with me maidening the aircraft and I'll stand anywhere I damn please for the first flight!
I am a competent veteran pilot, can fly from any pilot station, on any day, in any wind, with any ship including helis.
But if I choose to stand behind one for WHATEVER reason, the very last thing anyone needs to hear is some rookie know-it-all who recently graduated to .60 size low wingers that cost less than my spinner & prop start giving their 2 cents about ANYTHING.
We are supposed to support our fellow pilots and members and help them. We are supposed to enjoy other peoples airplanes and encourage them and be supportive. Seems like many people here with an elitist attitude and that whole I know everything persona going on would make for some really great (read - sarcasm) fellow member to be around.
Well said, and so true!
No asenine rule should stop someone with a $1,000.00 - $15,000.00 plane or jet that they spent years building, from having the comfort level of standing behind their expensive toy that would allow them more comfort, control or safety to get the plane in the air. It's enough stress to maiden such an expensive toy as is. Don't add more stress by not allowing someone an extra comfort level if they so choose.
Plus, be courteous enough to let the guy have the sky to himself for the maiden!