F eat ure
A fIghter pilot approach to motorcycle riding
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KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, “A man’s got to know his limitations,” said Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” character in the 1973 movie, “Magnum Force.”
what needs to be done without bending metal, is also a smart way to approach a motorcycle ride before letting out the clutch. This commentary is written by a fighter pilot and a motorcycle enthusiast to blend the best of both worlds. We want all motorcycle riders to have a “hoot” for years and years come!
Those words I’m sure were in the back of Maverick’s mind in “Top Gun” as he paused on his Kawasaki GPZ 900 Ninja by the runway at Miramar to watch the Tomcats takeoff. He should have taken a moment to reflect, given how often he put his aircraft out of control throughout that movie. While flying a fighter and riding a motorcycle may have little in common, except both being a “hoot,” the deliberate approach required in aviation, to do
Training
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A fighter pilot goes through extensive training to learn the basic skills of flying an airplane, but more importantly, undergoes continuation training to develop new skills while honing existing skills. Recurrent training builds habit patterns that can be relied on when things get hairy. Motorcyclists can benefit from this same approach. Our traffic safety rules
already require us to get some basic motorcycle training, but really, how effective is an initial course and perhaps a refresher course in developing a lifetime of skills? Those courses give you some basics, but you’re on your own to practice periodically, to sharpen your reflexes and habit patterns. Take time to hone your riding skills, especially after a layoff, to rebuild those good habit patterns. Find a parking lot where you have some room to practice handling your motorcycle. Fighter pilots never practice in the main airways; they go to special airspace where the dangers of the manoeuvres can be managed. With that said, the street is no place to practice your skills. Many excellent programs are available to develop advanced riding skills.
