There is a helluva difference between an AVIATOR (remember that old term) and a pilot (who now days is a systems operator).
Unfortunately, it is a sign of the times that aviator's are a dying breed.
I could mention a good book, "Fate Is The Hunter", which summed up a few examples of an aviator's thinking.
'Nuff said...I will reminisce my tail-dragger days with a big smile.
ps..great thread.