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wash rack and carefully cleans it off, and quietly puts it back in the han- gar exactly where he found it, then maybe everything would be okay. Unfortunately, while the wash is un- derway, an arriving pilot noticed the wheels were splayed and the frame was scraping the pavement. The $80,000 brand new black Cadillac was trashed on its very first flight.
The next day, the owner was quite gracious, provided that it is the FBO’s insurance that replaces his black Cadillac with a brand new one. Josés employment was terminated, and on his way home, he missed a stop light and rear-ended another new vehicle, this one incredibly belonging to his uncle. Since no aircraft were damaged, the FAA was not notified, and out of consideration for José’s outstanding fu- ture, neither was the sheriff.
José of course has not been back to the airport even for a visit, but story is he has a scholarship to attend a big university next year with plans to major in mechanical engineering. All the pilots at the airport wish him well.
From these events over the past several years, those of us with plenty of experience and some grey hair have concluded that we never want to be 18 years old again. We have also learned it pays to very carefully p•reflight the airplane anytime it has been moved by the line guys and to never leave keys in a unique airplane, or for that matter a fancy car, particularly a flying black Cadillac. T&T
Kevin Ware is an ATP who also holds CFI, MEII and heli- copter ratings, has more than 10,000 hours and is typed in several different
business jets. He has been flying for a living on and off since he was 20, and currently works as a contract pilot for various corporations in the Seattle area. When not working as a pilot he is employed part time as an emergency and urgent care physician. He can be reached at kevin.ware2@aol.com.
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July 2018
TWIN & TURBINE • 25