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From: cfiaime@ihnp4.UUCP (Jeff Williams)
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Re: Jinxed Airplane?
Message-ID: <788@ihnp4.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 31-May-85 17:40:47 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihnp4.788
Posted: Fri May 31 17:40:47 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 1-Jun-85 02:37:32 EDT
References: <345@tekred.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 38

> I need some advice and guidance from muh frens out there.
> Is it possible that a given airplane can have a strange 
> quirk, and fly just fine otherwise?

You can bet your bottom dollar that some airplanes have a fully
developed personality.  I have seen it a number of of times.  As
an example, I used to fly a 172 (N4339R) that LOVED to do wingovers.
Everyone that flew the airplane did wingovers in her, and very seldom
did them in another airplane.

And, an airplane KNOWS if you respect her or not.  If you don't 
respect her and treat her with affection, she will turn and bite you.
(At least according to several FAA examiners that I have been involved
with.)  The opposite is also true.  If you treat an airplane with 
affection, she will do wonderous things for you.

As for your 172 that doesn't like smooth landings, try washing and 
waxing her.  Make her feel real good.  Get to know her.  Also, realize
that she does like to pull funnies on landing, and keep ahead of her.

This may sound a bit far fetched, but my studenst have noticed that
with this type of attitude, airplanes seem to treat me ok.  My own
airplane, Phoebe, never let me down, but did pull her pranks.

Now, do you think that there are some jinxed pilots?  One of my students,
now a private pilot , has had the following happen to him this year:
		1. engine failure on takeoff
		2. alternator fire on startup (172 checkout)
		3. electrical and gear problems in a 172RG
			(during his wife's checkout, same day as
			the fire in the 172)
		4. passenger in a Mooney with gear trouble
			(two days before the 172 problems)
I ask you, is this a jinx?

			Jeff Williams
			AT&T Bell Laboratories
			ihnp4!cfiaime