John Kitsco

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I have personally known pilots and photographers who were simply
the best you could be in terms of their profession. And some of these fine people have passed on because of weather conditions or
mechanical problems associated with aircraft or from health
conditions. Its quite a shock to hear a news report that a small plane went down and you instantly start to question, was that someone I had known, or worked with?

Having completed aerial assignments for the gas and oil industry,
for organizations like Ducks Unlimited - you can appreciate that
small aircraft have taken me to remote places, north and south,
east and west. Over the rockies, watching a moose beside a lake
in Northern Alberta, enjoying the many moments of an exquisite
sunrise or sunset. And always with the knowledge and realization
that I could have become one of those who did not return. And
that is something flyers recognize and accept. There is a chance.
Just a chance.

I remember a carb problem on a cold winter day with big Al
who finally gave up flying due to health conditions. Al would
entertain with stories and jokes during our many flights. He
knew the various rigs and work in progress that would benefit
from an aerial photograph. Al opened doors for our little company
and as a result we had calls from places like Texas, looking for
a specific photograph. And what a joy to get up early in the morning and get into a little Cessna and find a few friendly clouds.
All the while, travelling with a wing and prayer, hopeful that
once our feet again touched the ground, we had made another
successful journey. And as for that carb problem on a winters
day, just another moment of uncertainty that made one appreciate
that life often has its own plans, quite separate from our own.

Twenty years in various aircraft, from fabric to low wing to high
wing, the joy of flying in a Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter and spending time with some of the finest pilots all with their own
stories to tell. And each and everyone aware that this flight....
could be the last....