Unfriendly Sky

Dark Cloud of a Pilot

I recently traveled to California to visit a friend and check out a freelance writing project.  My journey to California was...eventful.  I was trapped in the Denver airport for about 16 hours.  Yes, 16 hours.  During this time, my emotions were on a crazy and somewhat angry roller coaster.  I found myself waiting in lines.  I found myself dashing through the airport at top speed.  BTW, Uggs were not meant to be run in.  I found myself crying out of frustration.  I found myself sleeping in a corner with all of my worldly possessions clutched to my body in spoon position.  I never once found myself thinking of my pilot.

Fast forward to me sitting at my gate and finally having an assigned seat.  I was on my way to California!  I noticed a gentleman in a uniform sitting off to the side.  He looked tired.  He looked a bit frustrated.  He looked like me.  Marching Fourth is not only about my journey, but it is also about others and their journeys.  I decided to go take a seat beside him and see where this would lead.

I introduced myself and explained how long I had been trapped in that airport.  He gave me a lopsided smile.  I gave him one of my cards, which explains the blog and its intent.  He politely read it, and he introduced himself.  I asked him if he was part of the crew.  He said yes.  I asked permission to interview him.  He hesitated.  He told me was the pilot of the flight that was going to carry me to my destination.  Jackpot!

After going into detail about the day I had endured, I paused.  I had not ask him about his day.  Not how an interview goes, right?  I began asking him some basic questions.  He agreed to answer as l long as I didn't use his name.  Fine by me.  So, here we go.

The Pilot, which is what I will call him, had been flying for over 25 years.  It was his passion.  His favorite part of the job was greeting passengers as they boarded and thanking them for flying on his plan as they left.  Over the years, this part of his job had changed.  After 9/11, he no longer had time to greet his passengers as they boarded.  He had so much more paperwork and checklists that must be attended to.  Safety first!  He missed this part, though, because he really enjoyed the human interaction. For example, over the years, he had been able to spot those passengers who may be a bit uneasy about flying.  Pre 9/11, he would have taken them into the flight deck and showed them how the plane worked.  He said that this always calmed nerves.  

The Pilot also used to enjoy thanking his passengers as they left.  These days, though, passengers had their faces pointed down at cell phones.  Or, they had earbuds stuffed into their ears and music blasting.  Perhaps they were just anxious and a bit angry because they may not make their connection.  The Pilot said that he rarely had anyone look up anymore and tell him they enjoyed the flight.  At this point in the conversation, I would say The Pilot was feeling a bit like a city bus driver--load 'em up and let 'em off.  

During our interview, I realized what a clod I was being.  It wasn't The Pilot's fault that I had been in the Denver airport for 16 hours.  It was some CEO or upper-level management person from United's fault.  The Pilot just wanted to get his passengers from point A to point B safely.  He also wanted to interact with them.  He wanted them to feel appreciated and happy.  He wanted what we all want--some appreciation himself.  

My attitude about my journey changed while I was talking to The Pilot.  I thanked him for showing up early to the gate to make sure that my flight took off on time.  I thanked him for all of the extra paperwork and checklists he completed to make my flight safe.  I thanked him for not letting me fall out of the sky.  Let's face it.  That's the most important thing.  The next time you are on a journey, I hope you remember The Pilot.  Your journey involves other people.  Your journey affects other people.  Pay attention.  You'll learn something.  I did.