The original Beech control lock (top, but re- ûlocated per the service bulletin) proved to be ûunloved by pilots, while the newer design (bottom) is more prominent.

Owning and flying your own airplane brings with it a variety of levels of responsibility. As the owner, operator and pilot, there can be no doubt as to who has the responsibility for ensuring proper maintenance, correct operation and full pilot proficiency.

The legal responsibility is only a small part of the picture. You’re also responsible for yourself as well as the well-being of those who entrust their lives to you as passengers.

The problem is that some pilots forget those simple facts. Instead, they get caught up in impressing their passengers with their proficiency or the airplane’s capabilities. Speedy departures, rather than thorough preflight planning and inspection, become goals toward which…