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?
Flying was a very risky endeavor. Do you...
Created: 04/03/19
Replies: 15
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Join Date: 10/15/10
Posts: 3216
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?
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Join Date: 07/16/14
Posts: 354
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.
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Join Date: 07/31/17
Posts: 62
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.
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Join Date: 03/13/12
Posts: 523
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.
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Join Date: 02/24/17
Posts: 52
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!
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Join Date: 10/16/10
Posts: 730
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.
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Join Date: 04/23/12
Posts: 176
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Join Date: 07/28/11
Posts: 384
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.
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Join Date: 09/26/12
Posts: 153
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Join Date: 06/05/18
Posts: 41
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.
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Join Date: 04/07/12
Posts: 233
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!
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Join Date: 08/11/11
Posts: 11
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
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Join Date: 01/01/16
Posts: 393
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Join Date: 05/29/15
Posts: 460
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Join Date: 07/16/13
Posts: 117
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Join Date: 03/14/19
Posts: 208
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