Why I Love Trade-A-Plane

The yellow broadsheet, published three times a month out of Crossville, Tennessee, is the go-to paper for all things aircraft. Warning: can be habit-forming. It's like picking up a map: you get blissfully lost in the details. Here's a sample of the latest classifieds.

Under Help Wanted:

"Need 1 good man. Must be familiar w/Chinese MiG-17 (JJ5)."  (Applicants are advised to send qualifications to a Houston, Texas address.)

Under Personal:

"PhD, ATP, CFII, 47, blond, blue eyes, romantic, interested in traveling, gardening, cooking, looking for a marriage orientated woman 30-65."

Under Warbirds Misc.:

"F-16 External fuel tanks and boarding ladders, good condition."

"F-18 Fuel Wing Tip Drop Tanks, 100 available at Red Deer, Alta., Canada."

What the --? Where did they come from, and where are they going? Comments welcome.