The title of Pilot seems to evoke looks of awe from people.
Perhaps that's because it does seem a bit magical that one person can take a chunk of metal and using a sequence of moves, cause it to defy gravity and take to the air like bird.
I used to be one of those awe-struck folks. To some degree I still am... Even when I am the pilot!
Understanding more of the physics now, it's less magical in a hocus pocus kinda way though and more magical in the feeling I get by being able to work with the tools and knowledge I have, to change my perspective and state of mind entirely.
Taking an airplane apart reveals more of the wizard behind the curtain, so there is nothing quite as enlightening as preparing for an annual inspection. Time invested in helping, is time very well spent. And it's fun!
There was a point for me where I realized that as a pilot, I was essentially a grand puppeteer...
From left seat in the cockpit I tug on cables to manipulate the control surfaces of the plane and knobs to change the fuel:air ratio. With the flick of a switch I can alter the Angle of the propeller blades and lower/raise the landing gear.
An airplane is a surprisingly simple machine. Taking it apart is not rocket science but it requires patience, it benefits from the hand of experience and above all a smallish and somewhat flexible body, helps!
Ask me how many times I banged my head on the yoke or the GPS mount?!
