I don't feel learning to fly is a big deal. Not many do it, perhaps
because of the expense, or it just isn't mainstream.

Harder to do, and to me is a bigger deal, yet is very common; get a good
university education.

It's funny, I feel just the opposite. I found college to be simply a
normal progression after high school, with no real extra effort
required other than more of the same old same old...

Maybe it's got something to do with the age at which you earned your
wings? For me, learning to fly took place while I was working full-
time, in a new house, with a toddler and a newborn at home. Money and
time were extremely tight.

Worse, by age 35 I was out of "school" mode, and getting back into
studying and homework was very difficult for me. Passing my checkride
was a truly great day, and I've always been as proud (or prouder) of
my ticket as I am of my sheepskin.

I suppose there is a mystique to it, but I never entered a Formula One
race either. It is an accomplishment but I hope there will be many
larger ones in everybodies future.

Well, the local newspaper is interviewing Joe tomorrow -- so
apparently *they* think it's a pretty rare achievement, too.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"