In a review of Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park sequel, The Lost World, Martin Amis once observed, “Modern parents hover at about A-level standard on prehistoric fauna. Children are all PhDs.” Kids are a talented bunch. In addition to holding those paleozoology degrees, children can claim advanced military engineering diplomas to boot.

If kids at the Joint Service Open House and Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base this past weekend could answer precise questions about the pitch axis thrust vectoring on the F-22’s dual F119-PW-100 turbofans — as I might have once upon a time — adults could at least enjoy the satisfaction of seeing their tax dollars in action.

And there was action. The F-22 Raptor demo was thrilling, a show that highlighted the capabilities of the plane’s twin variable jet engines. The jet can seemingly stop mid-air, change course, and take off in a different direction. Not seemingly, rather, but apparently. I saw it with my own eyes, and it still doesn’t seem possible.