Out and About

For someone with such a love for airplanes, and aviation in general, it might be hard to believe that I have never attended an air show. This ended on Saturday, August 20, when my brother and I attended “Thunder Over Michigan” at Willow Run Airport, near Detroit.
My brother, who also shares a love of aviation, lives in Ann Arbor and has mentioned several times that, on occasion, vintage World War II aircraft fly over his home. They seem to have a distinctive sound and, when you hear that sound, you can’t help but look skyward. Anyway, I thought it would be a great adventure if the two of us could somehow manage to attend an air show and go for an airplane ride.
My brother had mentioned that rides are available at the Willow Run air shows, but that they are quite costly. I did some research and eventually ended up booking a ride on a B-17 bomber. With the financial assistance of my two sisters, my brother and I attended “Thunder Over Michigan” on August 20 and enjoyed a thirty-minute ride on the “Yankee Lady”. The flight took us over Ann Arbor and the surrounding area near Willow Run Airport. Probably the highlight for my brother was looking down at the Big House from the forward gunner’s position of the airplane. The highlight for me was being able to help give my brother one heck of a big 80th birthday present.
The air show itself was fun and very well attended. Plenty of aircraft on display, and with a cloudless sky, there was plenty to see. Everything from the French air team who showed off their skill of aerobatics, accompanied by a Russian Mig-15, to several P-51 Mustangs showing everyone that they still had what it takes to rule the skies.
If you are a senior citizen, it’s wise to make plans to ensure that your affairs are attended to as you wish. Here are five things you should have, so that when the time comes, certain tasks will be easier to handle for you and your family:
Will. It’s important to keep this document up-to-date.
Power of Attorney. This allows you to name someone to act on your behalf, should you become incapacitated.
Health-Care Proxy. This gives someone the legal right to make decisions regarding your health care.
Living Will. This describes your wishes regarding medical care and what others should do if you are terminally ill.
Funeral Arrangements. Documents your wishes concerning your funeral. It’s a good idea to prepay the funeral fees, if you are able. A burial plot should also be included in your plans.
See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman