I've often wondered if GA wouldn't be better off in appealing to the quasi-spiritual, 'awe and wonder' (some might even say elitist) aspects of flying when trying to attract new pilots, instead of casting such a wide net. Emphasize the fact that not everyone can be a pilot - and appeal to the egos of those who choose to do the work to become one.
There has always seemed to be a lack of that from the manufacturers, at least... they seem to really push the practicality of GA for travel (which is kinda laughable, though not completely false). But the "cool factor" has always been there, pitching an elitism that is not really what's coolest about being part of the "priesthood", if you ask me.
I think most of us found our way into flying after being inspired in some personal way, by that first ride, or a desire to test ourselves, while seeking a kind of adventure mixed with beauty and peace that we're not finding enough on the ground. Or really awesome flying stories.
There were a lot of experiences that inspired me, but definitely Bach's writing- even his more straightforward stuff like the everyday flying stories in
A Gift of Wings, or the adventure of
Biplane or
Nothing by Chance, or the intense
Stranger to the Ground.
He's always enjoyed challenging flying, and writing about it, but he seems to have always encouraged any interest in flying, from anyone he's met. "Believe in yourself and you can do anything" is definitely a big part of his overall message. You could say he's earned his "hotshot" creds, but I doubt he thinks he's any big deal as a pilot.
Non-pilot acquaintances and those considering flying often ask me what this flying stuff is all about for me... I usually refer them to any of the books above. Bach can illustrate the simple joys of flying a lot better than I can.
I kind of re-discovered him when I started flight training, and his stories were the perfect tonic after a disappointing lesson or "study burnout".
He's always written so personally and so honestly about flying that he's been a real help to me, through good times and bad. He got me through my training, he validated my obsession with flight, and he definitely helped get me back into it after laying off for a few years. There were others, but he stands out, for sure.
JL Seagull,
Illusions, and
One are almost in a different category (even
Nothing by Chance, now that i think about it), being more about his thoughts on the meaning of life or whatever... I know a few pilots who didn't enjoy or "get" that stuff.
I doubt there's any surefire propaganda formula for spurring interest in flying...most people just need to go for a ride, and have the basics explained to them, and hear pilots' stories. After that, they'll either take the hook or dismiss it as a mild novelty... depending on whether or not they have the urge to fly deep inside them.
