by Kevin Clark

As pilots, we sometimes take for granted that we are able to soar with eagles. In reality, we’re simply joining the legions of other animals that also fly. Think about it—most animals do fly, even if we’re only talking about warm-blooded vertebrates such as birds and mammals. Almost 80% can take to the skies, including almost 1000 species of bats and roughly 9000 species of birds—compared to the remaining 3000 species of other mammals. By contrast, only one person in every 5000 can actually pilot an aircraft, so the ability to fly for most animals is the rule rather than the exception. …