This past Sunday, due to the generosity of our son-in-law Nathan, we attended the Wings Over Houston Air Show. It was a great show, super companions, and perfect weather--with amazing displays of aviation history, aviation skill and aviation capabilities.
It was inspiring to see some of the planes and helicopters now used to support our troops abroad--and may all that power somehow be used to achieve peace and not prolong war. The pilots are highly skilled and ready to go at a moment's notice. Their sacrifices for country and freedom are more admirable than I can say.
The Navy's Blue Angels were phenomenal. The skill and precision with which they fly these enormous pieces of machinery just defies description. I suppose with wars going on, one might think this sort of display flying is frivolous, but I would disagree. I think it's kind of an "in your face" audacious demonstration of the capability and power of our excellently trained military. Any one of those pilots could no doubt be combat ready in an instant. Again, I hope and pray the US military never has to use all of its power anywhere. I also believe these guys are a source of pride to their comrades. And, I'd bet the "other guys" are watching, hoping they never have to come up against any troops like the Angels.
There were the fun things--a flying lawnmower, worth a laugh or two--and the amazing stunt flying. The latter is such a display of skill and dexterity that it boggles the mind. All the stalls and rolls and spirals and dives are impressive and heart-stopping. Surely these pilots are only moments and inches from disaster but they do this day in and day out. Their expertise is unquestionable--it's their common sense/sanity that defies my understanding.
There was one display of skill and bravery--and total insanity (as I see it) that was "above" them all. There is a diminutive woman who spends her weekends walking on the top wing of a biplane. High in the air, with only a metal stanchion to hang onto, this woman dances and waves and does head-stands, while the pilot maneuvers the plane through flips and dives and spirals. Why? A need for excitement? A challenge? It is entertaining to watch, but seriously, I can't imagine getting up in the morning and as I brush my teeth, anticipate another day of walking on the wing of a plane. I don't like getting up and anticipating my job, but I don't defy death and gravity every day (except maybe on my commute to and from work!). Guess it just goes to show that it takes all kinds of jobs for all kinds of people. It does make the world interesting.
From your perspective, what's the most peculiar profession you've encountered?
Recent Comments