Well, that last post (maybe two or three ago?) that regarded the wonderful book of aeronautical wisdom and ways to stay alive and have fun while flying. It was outstanding. A dear friend of mine recommended a different book about flying, Wind, Sand and Stars, by Antoine De Saint-Exupery. Two days later my flight instructor recommended the same. Hmm. Well then that settled it. The same dear friend actually lent me her copy (thank you!) and I began to read it.

If that other book was about the pilot’s practice and skill, this book is about the pilot’s heart and soul. It’s beautiful.

Here are two tidbits, and a little video clip from the cockpit of the Ercoupe :)

There is a particular flavor about the tiny cabin in which, still only half awake, you stow away your thermos flasks and odd parts and over-night bag; in the fuel tanks heavy with power; and best of all, forward, in the magical instruments set like jewels in their panel and glimmering like a constellation in the dark of night. The mineral glow of the artificial horizon, these stethoscopes designed to take the heartbeat of the heavens, are things a pilot loves. The cabin of a plane is a world unto itself, and to the pilot it is home. 

Happiness! It is useless to seek it elsewhere than in this warmth of human relations. Our sordid interests imprison us within their walls. Only a comrade can grasp us by the hand and haul us free. And these human relations must be created. One must go through an apprenticeship to learn the job. Games and risk are a help here. When we exchange manly handshakes, compete in races, join together to save one of us who is in trouble, cry aloud for help in the hour of danger—only then do we learn that we are not alone on earth.