I am a 71-year-old Pink Floyd fan and having been listening to them for 53 years. They are by far my favorite band, and I listen to them every day. I appreciate your PF reactions and analysis very much. You might want to check out the "Delicate Sound of Thunder" concert as well. Again, this old man thanks you very much for the reactions my dear!!
Greetings from Canada. You can forget the meanings- deeper or otherwise... Floyd's way is to use and then hit your emotions hard. Peace, love and bellbottoms
It's principally about learning to fly a plane, as both David and Nick got their pilot licenses. David accumulated quite a collection of vintage aircraft, started an aviation company mainly to support his collection, and then sold them all off except for his favorite biplane. Nick became a helicopter pilot. The cockpit radio chatter in the background is Nick talking to the control tower during his flying lessons. But, it does have metaphorical layers too. You're not wrong to view it as a metaphor. Dave said that part of the meaning is that, after Roger's departure, Pink Floyd was learning to fly again.
Good analysis of the symbolism of the song, Angelisa. What's great about Pink Floyd is that their lyrics can have multiple meanings, depending upon each individiual's perspective. David, by the way, is an experienced pilot, so a literal interpretation is also warranted.
