I am struck by how much the Vertical Challenge project parallels many of the most important lessons in life as a whole. First among these is that most of us - Newton, Einstein, et al., being exceptions - cannot accomplish much alone. The Chief would not have been possible without the great support of many persons who unselfishly gave the greatest gift of all: their time. I have the greatest admiration and respect for them all. Second: all, or at least most, of your original assumptions will have been proved wrong. When I compare our original, and very crude, equipment prototypes with the new rig - which combines functionality with elegant style - I cannot but wonder about the thought processes which, early on, led us into blind alleys and much wasted effort. But to obtain success these must be combined with the great virtues: among them, perseverence and courage are paramount. After the Chief, someone asked me if I was proud of my son. I replied that, naturally, I was...but I would still have been proud of him even if he had not broken his neck.

georgezdanivsky@hotmail.com