According to Wikipedia Aviation is the practical aspect or art of aeronautics, being the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft, especially heavier-than-air aircraft. The word “aviation” was coined by French writer and former naval officer Gabriel La Landelle in 1873, from the verb “avier” (synonymous flying), itself derived from the Latin word “avis” (“bird”).

Becoming a pilot was a gradual, slow growth, somewhat later in life, adventure.   I never really thought much about flying as a youngster.  Airplanes and flying were never of any consideration.  It now is, and continues to be one of my life’s truly great past and ongoing adventures.

My first contact with the flying world was during a home visit while I was in college in the early 70’s.   A friend of mine (Steve) bought a hang glider.  They were popular then.  It was used and somewhat beat up.  He had absolutely no training and almost no idea of how to fly it.  But that didn’t deter Steve.  We went to a hill in Omaha and Steve set it up.  He ran and jumped and tried to get it into the air again and again.  But no go.  All it really did was completely exhaust him.  I watched but did not volunteer to try it.  It seemed fruitless.

Eventually I became a pilot and bought an airplane.  Flying has been one of my life’s greatest (on going) accomplishments.  Our aviation adventures are documented in the book “Exploits of a Common Adventurer” by kent irwin.