The older pilots, like myself, are slowly dying off, leaving a void in the hobby that's not being replaced at an equal rate. For the hobby to continue, we need new people, preferably younger than 20 or 25, to continue on and to initiate the breakthroughs that are happening more and more frequently. Many of us are retiring, many without enough extra capital to continue in the hobby.

Quite a few of us oldsters resent change for some reason. Perhaps it's the understanding within ourselves that we can no longer fly as well as we used to, and that the new "kid" is blowing our socks off with his ability after a year or less of flying experience. Perhaps we understand that the influx of youth highlights our own ageing process.

In any case, don't let the sour grapes crowd get you down. Be yourself, show a little respect where it's due, say thank you to those willing to offer help, ignore those that are overly critical, and enjoy, enjoy, and enjoy again this wonderful hobby.