It's typical for uninformed morons like the author of the linked story to focus on the negative aspects of a given technology while ignoring the positive ones. Just about any technology you can name can be used for peaceful or warlike purposes. The same fundamental technology that allows us to develop vaccines can also be used for germ warfare. Should we condemn vaccines because the technology can be used to do harm? Or how about radiation exposure, which can sicken in the case of a dirty bomb or kill cancer cells in radiation therapy (or kill deadly bacteria in food were it not for the luddites who're afraid of the radiation boogyman).

Yes, airplanes have been used for wars for about 90 years. They've also been used for all sorts of peaceful purposes, such as public transportation, search and rescue, cargo transport, etc. Airplanes have made it possible for ordinary people to travel around the world like never before possible. It allows us access to perishable products that wouldn't be available otherwise. It allows for lifesaving med-evac flights (especially with helicopters, which have save untold thousands of lives).

I'm over 1000 miles from home right now. Tomorrow afternoon, I'll board an airliner, first for Chicago, and then home to Colorado Springs. I could've driven out here. It would've taken at least 2 days and would've been many times as dangerous as the airline flights. Instead, I'll be home in a few hours (weather delays excepted) in far greater safety.

Flying isn't only practical, it can be a spiritual experience for pilots. When you're in control of a plane, it requires your concentration and your skill. The daily distractions of the world fade away and you feel at one with the machine. It's a freedom that most people just don't understand and a joy beyond words.