I think it is hard to beat being a kid through the late 70's/early 80's. There was some great metal flying about back then. I used to adore going to airshows and watching Phantoms, Starfighters, Vulcans, Harriers, in fact anything that made so much noise you could feel it! That's what hooked me into flying, and I've never lost that thrill.
It's not quite the same now, though. The current generation of fast jets is fascinating in a different way. I'm looking forward to seeing the Typhoon in action, but not as much as seeing the Vulcan back on the display circuit. That old girl is my alltime favourite.