Monday, November 08, 2010

Lunedi Lunacy

I've posted this a "Lunacy" because frankly I'm terrified of flying - yes 33 years with an airline, flying sometimes 4 times a week and for all of those times secretly - and on one or two occasions not so secretly - terrified from bridge off to bridge on.

In the early days of aviation Barnstorming or stunt flying was a major source of entertainment in the US and Canada. A small company of aircraft - single engine open cockpit - and stunt performers would go from rural community to rural community offering spills and thrills to the locals. Many of the pilots were veterans of the World War One and amongst the stunt performers were a fair number of women "dare devils". Here is one of them: Gladys Ingle of the 13 Black Cats a company of flamboyant Los Angeles-based stunt pilots who defied both superstition and the odds on survival in the 1920's.



Brave? Yes!
Courageous? Yes!
Out of her mind? Yes!
Sorry to me this is true lunacy.

08 novembre - Santi Quattro Coronati

4 comments:

yvette said...

Fantastic! Total admiration (and the tune is so good!!!) from someone who suffers a lot in silence when flying...

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I agree! I could barely watch her clambering about on the wings -- and putting on that tire!

Anonymous said...

Hey William!

You never told me you were terrified of flying ... I should get you in the front seat of a glider one of these days when you get home ... :)

heehee

2 dogs

Minnie said...

Huge tip of the hat to you for dealing with your fear by confronting it: that's true courage.
As for the stuntperson(s) - I agree: lunacy!