Pilots vs. Drivers

I think you're absolutely correct, Russ. There is a different sort of comraderie which exists in the pilot community which represents the understanding of the undertaking and discipline of flight. Perhaps it is the entry requirements, so to speak, which ties all pilots together. Learning to drive is quite commonplace and a rite of passage for virtually every individual upon attaining the age of 16 (or so). The skills are easily learned and easily mastered [although some might argue that statement ) ]

So what does it take to step up into an exotic automobile after that? Only money. That's it. Just money. I have found in my *%&#&(^ years that along with lots of money frequently comes ego and hence the observations you have made. This is not to say that the same doesn't exist in the pilot community, it just exists at a far lower level and those with the hugh egos don't fare as well in the long run.

For myself, I am not one of those wealthy individuals, although I hold my own. I will say, for the record, that I have met and maintained friendships with what I consider some of the nicest folks in the world through aviation which has made every nickel I have spent over 30+ years value which one can not really put a price on. There is hardly a place in this country I can travel where there is another pilot I do not know well and that extends, albeit to a lesser degree, to Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Pilots recognize the non-monitary investments made in obtaining their license and keeping current and safe. The sky looks the same from the vantage point of most aircraft, the primary difference being the speed in which you get to travel. For going somewhere even a 85 HP Cub or equivalent will get you there faster than an automobile most of the time. (I would hope that not too many folks are driving their Ferrari's cross country at 100+ MPH, but who knows.)

I'm frequently reminded that a mile of road gets you a mile, but a mile of runway can get you anywhere!

Best to all.

Planeflyr

 

I am amazed that you have mirrored my thoughts and observations concerning the "driver set". I have found that they are rather self absorbed and self centered with a "look at me and what I bought" attitude sometimes. Others are quite unaffected and friendly but I have found that a few can be very anal in their responses to anything in opposition to their thinking. My son is an F-car owner and has none of these attributes but I have had to simply keep my mouth shut in certain situations because I just don't fit.