Jim Campbell's Latest Somewhat-Irregular Aero-Column

I'm going to keep this missive short and sweet...

Most folks equate the word "hero" with some death-defying act/feat and/or risky behavior.

I don't.

While it comes in many forms, Heroism (as I see it), comes to pass when someone puts the welfare of others before their own... even when risk is not part of the equation. It staggers me how many times such heroism appears among us -- especially among we flyers.

A recent case in point... for nearly two weeks, people who knew a fallen pilot well, and those who never met him, worked in concert to rescue/find him. As ANN has reported, they poured their hearts and souls into this search. Tragically; the joy of a rescue was denied them and the Air Force has now reluctantly called off the search for retired Muskogee, OK, physician Jack Nolen. Dr. Nolen disappeared, January 14th, somewhere in the midwest, while flying his Kitfox Lite2.

As ANN reported on Friday, the Oklahoma Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has scoured hundreds of square miles between Paris, TX, where the aircraft was last seen, and Shawnee, OK, hoping to find some sign of the 72-year old physician. Gone... but never forgotten.

Somewhere, someday, some poor soul will stumble across this aviator's hidden location and finally start a course of action that will take him home to his loved ones and his final resting place. A mystery will be over, and the many people who hoped to save his life will shake their heads, think (or pray) about it a bit, and make ready for the next time they are called upon to search for a lost flyer.

Much has been written about the Civil Air Patrol and all those who help in trying to rescue fallen pilots, but this most recent search brought home the emotional investment these folks take on when they leave the comforts of their homes in the attempt to rescue people they've never met. Such selflessness is rare... but not among CAP and the many law enforcement and civilian assets that are put into action when a plane goes down.

If ever my wings let me down, I hope that those who come to look for me have half the passion and integrity we've seen, in bits and pieces, among those who went looking for Doctor Nolen. Their work was blessed. Their spirit was indefatigable... heroes all. Let me say what Doctor Nolen could not... thank you. You did your best.

And from the very bottom of my heart... I thank you, as well.

Jim Campbell, Aero-News Network, Editor-In-Chief

FMI: www.cap.gov