A pilot’s wife lives everyday with a little fear in the back of her mind. It’s something we must live with, and for most, it is a fear not unlike the one other people feel every time their loved one gets into a car.
I’ve just learned that a friend has died in an airplane accident, a fellow China alum. Living everyday around pilots, the activity of flying becomes routine, so normal. Just like getting into a car. Accidents happen far more often on the roads, we don’t think about them much. Airplane crashes, however, are so visceral, so dramatic. So unfair.
My friend was young. Those who knew him knew he was genuine, fun-loving and easy to laugh. He had overcome a devastating neck injury to return to flying and was engaged to be married. I feel sad and shocked. Panam, my former workplace, was full of characters. Masa was one of the good ones. We’ll be drinking a few Tsingtaos for you, Masa!
