i thank you all for being so positive here. i am only training so have far to go but i have wanted to say this to an instructor but never could. i remember all the names of all my instructors so far (they have changed quite a bit due to personal preference ) and remember what their contribution has been towards me in life. really grateful to you all.
i am sure the teachers of aviation would always be looked upon as the real gods....not necessarily the airline captains and trust me, one day, i will be one. but instructors are by far the most influencing people!
richie