[Jim727]

Stevepaa- it's tradition. Don't know where it came from, but they're not shot *at* the plane, but over. Like you see fire boats do.

Ben - semi agree. I've been rather anti-union all my life, but since I don't have time for another detailed typing job (should get back to work) I will tell you that I believe a pilots' association of some kind is essential for safety. Airline managers understand money (sort of), but definitely don't understand safety until they have to pay for an accident. Airlines often ask us to do things that aren't too bright and it's only the pilots' association that maintains a pilot's clout enough to be able to decline an order to do something unsafe.