I think it's quite remarkable that 60-year-old aircraft are still flying, but apparently it's quite normal. Airplanes ordinarily have exceptionally high-quality maintenance, so overhauls replace all parts subject to metal fatigue or other deterioration. I think the usual overhaul period for private planes is every 2000 hours of operation.

But air shows stress aircraft to their limits - over crowds of people. It's thrilling to watch, but crashes at air shows happen all too often. Still, I'm glad I've seen a number of air shows.

While he was in high school, my stepson was a member of the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA - Harrison Ford's organization). The EAA people were very good to him. They sent him to their camp in Oshkosh, Wisconsin - that's where we saw the AirVenture show. But when he got his pilot's license, he dropped out of EAA and joined the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). He said there were too many people in EAA who took too many chances. I think I'm glad he's careful.

Any day now, he should pass his instrument certification. He's planning to get his commercial license and then an instructor licence. He expects to get a job as a pilot. I hope this happens soon. He's 26, and he's costing me a lot of money....

I have to admit, though, that I'm proud of him.

-Joe-