"It was during a time when his family was financially down that the author discovered his passion. At a county fair where it was difficult for him and his mother to experience even a single carnival ride, the five-year-old boy found himself fascinated with only one amusement, the old Curtis Robin airplane in a nearby pasture, giving rides for 25 cents per person. Knowing such a price was far beyond their means, it seemed like magic when suddenly a family friend produced the great sum of 50 cents so that he and his mother could both take a ride in that plane. As soon as the engine roared to life and the airplane lurched forward across the rough pasture and into the sky where he could see the beautiful view from above, Tom knew right then that he wanted to go flying for the rest of his life. Now in his early eighties, Bangart relives his wonderful journey through the skies and life to bring inspiration to others."--Back cover