Friendly pilot helps offer a valuable perspective

I’m a big believer in stepping back, or from time to time up, and looking at things from a different perspective. It’s so easy to get caught up with details and differences of opinion, especially in today’s world, that as they say you sometimes lose sight of the beauty of the forest for all the trees. I know I’m guilty in that regard.
With a little help from a friend I have come to enjoy looking around my hometown from about 3,000 feet up. Things just look different, less cluttered, from that height, creating ideal photos for news stories and historical perspective. In fact, it’s a once a year photo shoot I look forward to. 
John Wilcox is well known locally as a retired family physician. I have spoken with and interviewed John many times over the years in his medical capacity, but also learned long ago that he is an avid pilot equally passionate about all things aviation.
You don’t have to ask to get a brief lesson on small aircraft operation, the Aurora Municipal Airport, or the beauty of flying when you buckle in with John Wilcox. It’s all part of the ride.
Two weeks ago I noticed a little extra energy in John’s invitation to get up in the air. It has been a while since we took an aerial tour of Hamilton County, but truth be told I think he was just looking for a good reason to fly on an absolutely still, clear, picture-perfect morning which offered stunning views of our little corner of the world. I’m so glad he called.
My mind was already spinning with to-do list obligations when I showed up around 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning at the airport, but John, as always, set the tone. That positive demeanor served him well as a small-town doctor for all those years, helping him develop a naturally positive and easy-listening bedside manner. He just puts you at ease.
Once we were airborne all the stress I was feeling drifted away, part of the allure no doubt for my confident pilot. The view was spectacular, with green fields covering the landscape, looking better than I thought they would when the growing season started so dreadfully dry. And, if you look closer, you can see how much is happening here in Hamilton County. 
The pictures I took for example documented change in just the past year, or recently announced progress, in the Streeter 2nd Subdivision, Northridge Subdivision, Mission Critical, Poco Creek Golf Course (clubhouse), as well as housing projects in Phillips and Hampton. You’ll see one of those images in this week’s edition, and others will appear frequently as needed, all thanks to the helpful hand of John Wilcox, who is himself a talented photographer.
Perspective matters, and I’m convinced that there’s no place like up, up and away for a better view.
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@ hamilton.net