Monday, October 22, 2007

Back in the saddle again


I went up on an observation ride today, my first time in the cockpit since May '04. It was a checkride for 2 young Pilot Initial Qual-types, so I didn't get to fly. It was still good sitting up front, listening to the radios, catching the crewbus at 0-dark-thirty, the smell of JP-8 in the morning. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it.

One of my favorite things about flying is breaking through a solid overcast cloud deck into the bright blue sky above. Anyone who's seen this on an airline flight knows what I'm talking about.

Six hours and forty five minutes after takeoff, we taxied in and I walked off the jet with a big smile on my face. One week until it's me in the seat.
I just hope I don't forget the keys again...

2 comments:

George said...

Nice cockpit, but where's the cup holder? Looking at that picture I'm afraid that unsecured water bottle might tip over and spill into the cassette deck. Then whatcha' going to listen to on those long flights, huh?

Rick said...

Looks like the inside of my Mini Cooper. Sigh. I miss Jeeves.