My passenger arrived late, as usual, and talking on his cellphone, as usual. “What about sushi tonight?” I heard him say. Then: “I should be home in 45 minutes.” I tried to attract his attention but he waved me off, as usual. I was surprised that he could be heard over the noise of the hot wind slashing across the ramp.
Finally, he put the phone away and looked at me. “All set?” he asked. This was more of a statement than a question. It’s the kind of moment pilots dread, whether charter, corporate or flying friends to a golf tournament.
