I live next to an airport where the Canadian Forces west coast helicopter base is located. It's great fun watching the Sea Kings on their return from patrol over the Pacific coast as each flight plan ends with circuits simulating single-engine shutdowns.

One of the pilots is a young woman who lives in my condo building and I inevitably engage her in conversations about flying. I was never a military or commercial pilot but as a civilian did fly C-172's, Piper Archers and Arrows as pilot-in-command, plus several other aircraft from the right seat, so you must surely understand my appreciation of her efforts.

Watching the Sea King flying circuits, it's all too easy to forget the risks that pilots and other personnel take when posted overseas. Master Corporal Paul Franklin was one of three Canadian soldiers severely injured in a suicide car bombing in Afghanistan on January 15; the attack also killed Canadian diplomat Glyn Berry. Franklin lost his left leg below the knee.

And therein lies the automobile connection. Hyundai Canada will replace Master Corporal Paul Franklin's 2003 Santa Fe with a 2006 model fitted with hand controls, following the Canadian soldier's return from Afghanistan. Sure, it's a pr opportunity, but when a young man pays such a price on our behalf, Hyundai deserves every credit for this gesture.