The control tower gives him clearance for takeoff, no waiting, with a
straight-out departure. "Approved as requested," the controller adds.
The clouds part before the departing pilot and his flight is VFR in smooth
air.
When ATC hands him off the controller says "Have a wonderful flight."
After a perfect flight, soaring higher than he's ever been able to fly
before, the pilot lands at his first airport in Class A airspace, and it's
perfect. He is met on the ramp by the Chief Pilot, who looks familiar,
and is wearing a flight suit and carrying a POH. The pilot remembers
seeing His face on some of his previous flights.
"You have done well, my son" says the Chief Pilot. "I am a pilot too. As
a matter of fact, it was I who gave you the yearning to fly."
"Welcome home, my son" says the Chief Pilot, as He pins the pilot with the
shiniest set of silver wings. "I've been watching over your previous
flights and enjoyed flying with you. "
"But Sir.." the pilot says, thinking of his many solos.
"My son," the Chief Pilot interrupts, "On your first solo I was with you.
When you hit that turbulence over the mountains I was with you. When you
lost your radios and had to make a silent landing I was with you. When you
made your first landing and bounced hard, I was with you. And when you
danced the skies on laughter silvered wings, I was there and shared your
joy."
The Chief Pilot points out all the planes on the ramp and tells the pilot
he may fly the plane of his choice. Any time. Fuel, maintenance and
tiedowns are free, and this airport has the finest restaurant ever built.
"After all," the Chief Pilot says, "I am the FBO here."
"You see son," the Chief Pilot continues, "Because you yearned to fly,
because you sought me out and touched my face, you have earned your way to
the finest of all FBOs."
"You will fly here now."
When a Pilot Dies
When a pilot dies, he's automatically issued a late-model jet-powered
Warbird for his journey home. The tanks are topped off and the ground crew
waves him onto the ramp.
---Anonymous
