Last night I flew from Pittsburgh to Memphis, and then from Memphis to Springfield, MO. The final leg was a very short flight and a somewhat unusual one. First of all, we had the oldest flight attendant that I have ever seen on an airplane. She was very nice, but did not look like she was in healthy enough condition to help anyone in a crisis.
After boarding, they announced to us that the landing gear on the plane was not functioning. It was stuck in the DOWN position (which is definitely better than being stuck in the UP position). They indicated that due to regulations we would have to fly lower and slower than normal.
Well, a lady about three rows up from me was totally freaked out by this news. She demanded to know from flight attendant that this was a safe procedure. She wanted to make sure that the landing gear would hold. She was making quiet a scene.
One row behind her was a pilot who was traveling home on this plane with us. He assured her that it was a totally safe procedure and that everything would be fine.
She asked, 'How do you know that? Are you a pilot?'
To which he replied, 'No, I am not a pilot...BUT I DID STAY AT A HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS LAST NIGHT!'
The whole back of the plane busted into laughter. It was a truly funny line! The freaked out woman calmed down, we took off, flew at about 8000 feet, and landed without incident.
Knowing how you feel about flying, P. Jeff, that had to be quite an adventure. :)
Posted by: CindyK | September 22, 2008 at 11:09 AM
That was great! Thanks for the laugh. I needed that this morning.
Posted by: shelley allen | September 22, 2008 at 11:22 AM
HAHAHA Oh my goodness! That is hilarious! I used that line last week during small group and no one got it...that is awesome...
Posted by: Brian | September 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM
That one is great!!! Wish I was there...scratch that...not too keen on flying myself, let alone in a plane with a problem!!! Glad all worked out well!
Blessings,
dar
Posted by: darlene grieco | September 22, 2008 at 06:48 PM