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Fly Girls


How five daring women defied all odds and made aviation history.
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Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Created: 04/03/19

Replies: 15

Posted Apr. 03, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Flying was a very risky endeavor, yet these women were determined. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to pursuits that could very well end their lives?


Posted Apr. 05, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
katherinep

Join Date: 07/16/14

Posts: 374

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

There is a new car/truck commercial that I saw on TV the other night. It says something about the human species being the only one that does dangerous, life threatening things, without either running away or hiding for the fun of it. They show people white water rafting, bungie jumping, climbing mountains among other things. It says humans seek these dangers out rather than avoiding them for self-preservation. That is true, we like to challenge ourselves, push the envelop, jump off the cliff. And if they can't do it themselves, they are like me and watch Mission Impossible.


Posted Apr. 05, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
RuthEh

Join Date: 07/31/17

Posts: 67

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Thrill seekers are we! I know so many people who just live for the moment. Auto racing, bicycle racers, marathons, dance competitions, hang gliding, sports... they can all result in bodily injury. Do we stop, no way, it's the stuff we love to do. Think what a boring world we would live in if everyone hid in Giant bubble wrap! For those seeking the adventure, they know the risks and are willing to take their chances.


Posted Apr. 05, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
rebeccar

Join Date: 03/13/12

Posts: 548

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Yes, there are activities that involve danger today. Cave diving to extreme depths, helicopter skiing, and many more. Yet, it is interesting that some of these same daredevils would panic (and avoid contact, in most cases) if confronted by a venomous snake in the jungle. So I feel as if there is a degree of denial with extreme activities - which is what flying used to be considered.


Posted Apr. 06, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
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skagitgrits

Join Date: 02/24/17

Posts: 64

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Weren't you blown away with the information on exactly how dangerous and precarious it was! It's always these "crazy" risk takers who take us as a species another step forward in our quest to conquer more and more of nature. Certainly there is danger in a number of sports (and jobs!) today that may compare however, in the new age of flight there were no regulations, no requirements of the manufacturers or the people flying the machines. So, it's not a fair comparison. I don't think there is anything more dangerous then the crab fishing industry in Alaska; however, there are regulations and investigations that help to mitigate the dangers. Racing cars as a sport is insanely dangerous ..though I don't believe it comes close to comparing to the danger of aviation in its infancy. What an amazing story!


Posted Apr. 07, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kimk

Join Date: 10/16/10

Posts: 933

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

I think especially about those who climb Mt. Everest, K2, etc. A large percentage of those who attempt climbing those super-tough mountains die (including some incredibly experienced people), but every year folks still pay thousands of dollars to try to summit. I do think that current technology has lessened some of the risk associated with this sport and others, as well as improvements in safety gear, but still. I can't even blame it on being young & foolish, as many of those who make the attempt aren't all that young!

I think the rationale has to be different for each person. Some just want to say they've done it. Some want a challenge. Some want to go on to write a book or article about the experience.


Posted Apr. 08, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
alycet

Join Date: 04/23/12

Posts: 182

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Yes. Mountain climbing, base jumping, war correspondents to name a few.


Posted Apr. 08, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
terriej

Join Date: 07/28/11

Posts: 436

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

There are a lot of dangerous hobbies or professions and I admire people who pursue them. I personally know a few and they don't think of the danger - they just think about doing the best that they can with their skills to be successful in the task.


Posted Apr. 10, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
swchis39

Join Date: 09/26/12

Posts: 181

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Of course the same level of risk applies to women in sports today. I think of high rope walks, ski racers, auto racers, etc.


Posted Apr. 10, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
janeto

Join Date: 06/05/18

Posts: 41

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Flying was and is risky. Not a summer goes by when there are not accidents at air shows where dare-devil pilots perform ever more outrageous tricks. There are many dangerous hobbies that people seem to enjoy. What is even more surprising is the number of people who enjoy watching people risk their lives and seem to be most satisfied when crashes and accidents occur. I am not a risk taker and do not like supporting events that pay people to put their lives in danger.


Posted Apr. 12, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
juliep

Join Date: 04/07/12

Posts: 264

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

I agree with Katherinep above about the commercial on TV now that says humans are the only species who are risk takers and thrill seekers. But without these aviation thrill seekers, flying would not be the sophisticated mode of transportation it is today. Same with space exploration. Although I’m not sure if mountain climbers are after anything other than a thrill - too scary for me!


Posted Apr. 12, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sharden

Join Date: 08/11/11

Posts: 11

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Agree with many of the postings about risk taking being even more popular today, especially with younger people, searching for the latest thrill. Extreme sports is very much a part of the culture today and even the less athletic have opportunities to shine


Posted Apr. 14, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Maggie

Join Date: 01/01/16

Posts: 444

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

The thrill of succeeding is what attracks people, the enjoyment.


Posted Apr. 18, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dianaps

Join Date: 05/29/15

Posts: 460

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

The thrill of it all!


Posted Apr. 22, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
JulieAB

Join Date: 07/16/13

Posts: 117

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Oh, racing immediately comes to mind. Mountain climbing, rock climbing.....


Posted Apr. 28, 2019 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
djcminor

Join Date: 03/14/19

Posts: 208

RE: Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you think this level of danger exists in any hobbies today? What do you think attracts people to such pursuits?

Mountain climbers certainly face dangers as they scale dangerous mountain sides. There will always be people who wish to test their own limits.


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