Thanks for the support gents, it means a lot.
Sure. There are some people who, by appearances below, seem to think you're coopting the site for self-aggrandizement. You might be but, even it it were true, it doesn't really matter. Why? Because this little thread, and the fact that I've had more time to fly lately (changing houses = done with the current one)) got me to thinking about why this little AH thing fascinates me so.
It was reading stories of people like Hans-Joachim Marseille or Lucky Tuck or Pete Townshend that first motivated me, well before I was even of the age to pursue Aero Eng. in college, to consider a career as a pilot. Later, after receiving a nomination to the USAFA (Rep. John Erlenborn was the chump who flakked for me), I withdrew when informed I couldn't be a pilot no matter what (allergies, nearsighted) and instead chose engineering.
That career choice landed me, eventually, in Automotive. Going back to AHII reminded me of why I set out on the path: because being able to use an airplane to kill another guy in an airplane is REALLY cool - even if (maybe especially if) it's not real.
The shameful secret: I too want to be a WWII ace... Yes, I'll cop to it. That's the pathetic little dream. Kazaa here has lived at least a less-comprehensive version of what that means.
Still, I think it means something and, if he can do it, maybe I can too - and that holds even if he's a grandiose buffoon, though I don't detect that here.
BTW, I've watched some of Grizz' tater shots. I'm left baffled at the quality of the gunnery since I feel it's gunnery that cripples my use of the D9.
I'm flying tonight, though, that's for sure. IF I could kill that mofo Kazaa, I'd be really proud of myself.