Yes they were great days!
I was looking at a photo of you stood next to the Chippie only a couple of days ago!!!
Just a shame some of our friends are no longer with us
Maybe it's the training (or lack of it) which makes the difference these days - not just flying training but bar room tales and 'I learned about flying from that'.
Words of wisdom from those who know (and have survived).
Going to a flying school, having a lesson and going home again might enable you to fly an aeroplane, but it doesn't make an airman out of you!