You're right about how nice those folks are. You can tell by their broad grins. I've always liked being around folks who like airplanes. I used wander off to the local airport as soon as I could walk. Mom knew that they'd look after me. Some even let me sit in their planes and answer my limitless questions.
Thanks for the book recommendation! My favorite books are those of true events that have occurred, and will certainly check it out! :)
My father used to pack us up and head out to Milwaukee's General Billy Mitchell Field Airport to just watch the planes come in and out. We'd then head to the lounge for a drink and talk airplanes. (We of course had the root-beers.)
I don't miss EAA's Airventure. It's one of the finest things we have going in Wisconsin, and something not to be missed.
Have you been?
Some of the best people I know are pilots.
One of the funniest examples of pilot humor occurred a few years ago. A buddy of mine, who's a pilot, was helping out at the local airport doing the Public address announcements. He then made the announcement that a Stealth Bomber was going to buzz the field. (We were in on the joke...) Everyone grabbed their cameras and headed to the fence to get a good picture. Well... I am sure you've figured it out that these people were had. At the precise moment he says,"Here it comes.... and it's gone."
Fortunately everyone was in good humor that day.