Just getting back to Seattle after being on the road last week and stopping to visit my parents outside of  Nashville in Franklin, TN on the way back.  For years now I have made a practice of looking the pilot in the eye and saying "thank you" as I get off the plane.  We all have bad days at work and I want the pilot/co-pilot to know that I appreciate them and what they do – including safely delivering me to my destination.  You see, they do something I can’t do – safely take off, fly, and land an airplane.