Teller1900
En-Route
...that last flight of the night.
The smooth, clear air as the sun is doused by the horizon. Being able to see New York City, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Washinton DC, and Richmond, VA, all at the same time. Being able to see your home airport from over 100 miles out. Getting cleared direct to your home airport from 152 miles out.
Hearing the ATIS say "calm, 10, and clear." Rolling gently onto final over the shore line to see two reds, two whites, and your airspeed exactly where you want it. Having 9,000 feet of well lit concrete stretched out just for you. Barely being able to feel the wheels roll onto the runway. Not having to use brakes or reverse to make the turnoff you want. Hearing the guy next to you say "very nicely done."
It's nights like this that make it all worth while. Normally it's a race to finish the post flight and catch the crew van to my car. Last night, I wasn't even thinking about getting home. I told the rest of the crew I'd catch up with them, I was going to take my time. On nights like this, it's worth it to be the last one in the plane; the last one on the ramp. The cool still air, marked by seemingly endless stars - the airplane just seems at home here; I feel at home here.
It took me 10 minutes to do a 2 minute post flight. It's easy to get lost in the day after day repitition of the job, I've noticed it's not often any more I spend time looking up. I couldn't stop myself last night. The rest of the crew wondered what had taken me so long. I told them I just had something else I had to do: remind myself why I love flying so much.
The smooth, clear air as the sun is doused by the horizon. Being able to see New York City, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Washinton DC, and Richmond, VA, all at the same time. Being able to see your home airport from over 100 miles out. Getting cleared direct to your home airport from 152 miles out.
Hearing the ATIS say "calm, 10, and clear." Rolling gently onto final over the shore line to see two reds, two whites, and your airspeed exactly where you want it. Having 9,000 feet of well lit concrete stretched out just for you. Barely being able to feel the wheels roll onto the runway. Not having to use brakes or reverse to make the turnoff you want. Hearing the guy next to you say "very nicely done."
It's nights like this that make it all worth while. Normally it's a race to finish the post flight and catch the crew van to my car. Last night, I wasn't even thinking about getting home. I told the rest of the crew I'd catch up with them, I was going to take my time. On nights like this, it's worth it to be the last one in the plane; the last one on the ramp. The cool still air, marked by seemingly endless stars - the airplane just seems at home here; I feel at home here.
It took me 10 minutes to do a 2 minute post flight. It's easy to get lost in the day after day repitition of the job, I've noticed it's not often any more I spend time looking up. I couldn't stop myself last night. The rest of the crew wondered what had taken me so long. I told them I just had something else I had to do: remind myself why I love flying so much.
. The MILL ABOUT checklist?
That's a good one, I'm going to have to remember it!
