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During my six years in the aviation side of the Navy, I witnessed two plane crashes in which friends of mine perished - both times it was due to mechanical failure, and totally out of their control.
The only reason I continue to fly is that nearly every pilot that I have ever known was a total professional when it came to piloting an aircraft. I still have a handful of pilot friends that I play tennis with. It's the same with them. They won't drink when their fly schedules dictate not to, and they have an absolute passion about what they do.
I hate to fly, but business necessity dictates that I fly frequently, and also my wife likes taking vacations to exotic places.
Still, I always look every pilot in the eye and greet them as I am getting on board a plane - that helps ease my anxiety. I also thank them every time when the flight is over, not so much out of superstition, but out of respect for what they do.
In the end, when your number is up, your number is up...
ADG Webmaster
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