I am addicted - just as Whirly describes. I've become a junkie, not only for the flying bit but for the "what makes em tick" bit too. I'm even finding it difficult to concentrate on the day job which pays for the addiction!!!!
But for me there is
a third significant element, ie in addition to Whirly's original two. It has been touched on only by Groundbound and Bluebeard thus far that I can read.
This third element has to do with the challenge of fine-tuning and maximising discipline over my own mind and self. To fly well requires one's mind and body to be in peak operating order and this particularly means that ones mind is trained to deal optimally with the unexpected and the emergency. I have found the associated challenge a fascinating personal growth path which is also significantly motivating.
I have found it to have benefits in the rest of my life too - I make decisions better than I used to BF (before flying that is), I am more in control of myself and my situation and generally I am more positive and direct than I used to be. And I put this down to the discipline training as well as the passion associated with the addiction.
Can anyone else relate to this too?