I'm sure both of you have come across this book by carol smith, but it is a really good read. I have read it cover to cover several times. It actually inspired me to read the SPS cataloge. Who knew fastners were so damn cool. I just never imagined how much thought has gone into this stuff.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0879384069/sr=8-1/qid=1142048017/ref=sr_1_1/002-2706645-5806409?%5Fencoding=UTF8
cgarr - nice planes. I hope I get to finally chase my pilots licence, then instrument rate, finally go aerobatic. When I was nine I got a ride in a P-51 mustang at an air show (cause the biplane ride guy forgot me - I had the last ticket of the day so his buddy took me up). I have never forgotten the imelmans (sp?), barrel rolls, tail slides or the brief weightlessness on that ride. Dad was a school teacher so even though I managed ground school I could never afford flight time. Then came college, then way too many years of graduate school and then a post doc. FINALLY comes a job, so after paying off all the other crap (school, home, ect) it is time for toys. Porsche first, plane second. Need more money!
Thanks for your input. You have been invaluable.
tadd