As I am fairly ignorant when it comes to planes (I just like how they sound and look), I decided it was my job to try and I.D. two planes each year. That way, when I see them, I can look up in the sky and act with feigned knowledge, “Oh, look, that is a P-38”, and make all of the vintage plane-loving men around me (because, you know, there are so many) swoon in ecstasy.
Actually, I just wanted to be able to not sound ridiculous as I say, “Look at that plane, and that other plane.” Last year I learned about P-40 Warhawks (the planes with faces), but I think that is largely because of the paint job. I learned the same this year about Zeros. Big red dots – got it. If they weren’t painted, I’d be in trouble. But these were, so score! I also learned what a P-38 was. Two tails, I can remember that. So yes, I know I sound silly, but for a gal that isn’t familiar with planes, every little bit of recognition help works.