WIX Archives
Re: Ushering in a new age of understanding
Posted by Rob Mears on Tue Jun 18, 2002 01:51:48 AM
In reply top Re: Ushering in a new age of understanding posted by David M Jameson on Tue Jun 18, 2002 12:00:44 AM
: While I understand your example, why would the P-51 NOT be
: the restored aircraft it once was?
:
: You are right though, it IS the responsibility of the rest
: orer etc. to verify and document this process. But beyond
: that, is the restored P-51 no less of an aircraft than ot
: hers, just because it was not flying for the past 20 years
: or 60.
:
: Not withstanding all the AD's by the FAA. Not taking into
: account that most of the flying aircraft of today, are 50
: to 80% new. Most of the flying aircraft of today are reb
: uilt, as they have been crashed how many times before.
:
: If the new discovery P-51 utilized as much of the frame wo
: rk as possible, but it was re-skinned, rebuilt engine etc.
: why the difference in perception. To some it is the same
: , others not.
: The point remains, I feel, who wants to be that one person
: who stands up, and takes the heat for expousing their vie
: w.
:
: Does that make that person right because they stated their
: opinion? Do we obtain a general consensus on each, as a
: case by case basis; maybe? Vote among the membership?
:
: That may be the best way to resolve it in the minds of mos
: t, but I fear never all.
:
: Hypothetically speaking, maybe this is a way for the sanct
: ioning bodies to take a stand, without making hugh waves.
.
.
.
I generally enjoy all the various perceptions I've encountered from other people. I think the multitude of them are relevant and that there's no reason for everyone to struggle in agreement over one particular point of view. You loose a whole dimension of enjoyment when you force a single line of thought.
I like tracking the progress of planes through their years, even down to the different routes travelled by their various dismantled major assemblies. There's a pleasing sense of closure when you know (historically) exactly what you have in front of you at an airshow or museum. On the other hand, I can either bask in the presence of that mighty machine and what it symbolizes, or I can turn away and discuss clinical history. History is no less relevant in light of a plane that is less than 100% original. I don't devalue the valor that supposedly shown from the cockpit of that particular plane, nor do I begrudge the plane itself for not being pure enough to take me wholely to the battle without distraction in detail.
I long to stand in the presence of the 'ideal' fighter, but ninety-nine times out of a hundred, idealist's expectations are crushed :) It becomes kind of a 'fatalist' view really. I remain content learning all that I can about the true history of the planes that intrest me...beyond that I get right to enjoying the reality of that living exclaimation point powering up for its next mission :)
In a way, finding out that your favorite plane is only half-original is kind of like discovering that there's no Santa Claus (don't tell your parents I told you :) In the end though it doesn't diminish the spirit of things, and you have to give that spirit credit. It's the only thing that keeps us from seeing $300 worth of scrap metal on the tarmac.
Rob