I have a picture sitting on my bookshelf.
It is of a 5 year old Boy who has just taken a ride in a Stearman at the Kalamazoo County Fair in 1963.
He sat on a box, in the front seat, and remembers vividly watching the right main as it left the grass below it that day, spinning in the slipstream.
He saw Jet Pilots in their Uniforms when the Family dropped Dad off for yet another International Business trip.
He fought against the Odds of color-blindness, delinquency, personal loss, etc. to become a "Pilot".
And he achieved more than many ever thought possible.
The horrible end to that little Story is this:
I was that 5 year old Boy. I have enjoyed all that has transpired between that first airplane ride, and the many years since.
I have achieved everything I have ever desired in this Career, and have been Truly Blessed over the last 20 years of Airline Flying. Thank You Lord.
When I read the things above, I am wholly saddened.
As an Individual, and a Human Being. Let alone as a "Pilot".
God Speed to ALL of you.
But, this Career/Passion/Profession has DESCENDED into something I no longer wish to be a part of.
And THAT...Is heartbreaking.
MKR