Captain
Final Approach
I just had a trip from MCO to IND with a connection in ATL on Delta.
I had a window and another gentleman had the aisle. I told him while we were boarding that the middle seat, as of now, was open. I was in uniform and we spoke about flying. He obviously knew the lingo so I asked if he was a pilot. He said no, he was an engineer. Specifically, a gas turbine engineer. Well he had me at 'hello'.
We spent the flight talking engines. He had been part of the design team for the development of many turbines you may know. SR-71, Tomahawk cruise missle, and later civilian airliners. He was the nicest, most informed guy I've ever had the pleasure of speaking with. I actually wish the flight was longer!
I had a window and another gentleman had the aisle. I told him while we were boarding that the middle seat, as of now, was open. I was in uniform and we spoke about flying. He obviously knew the lingo so I asked if he was a pilot. He said no, he was an engineer. Specifically, a gas turbine engineer. Well he had me at 'hello'.
We spent the flight talking engines. He had been part of the design team for the development of many turbines you may know. SR-71, Tomahawk cruise missle, and later civilian airliners. He was the nicest, most informed guy I've ever had the pleasure of speaking with. I actually wish the flight was longer!