I got out of my car at the airport parking and retrieved my small carry-on from the boot. Carefully ensuring I'd locked the car, I made my way to the shuttle bus, the excitement building in me. I glanced down at my dark blue jacket, then at the two gold rings on my sleeves, my excitement doubling as I rejoiced in my first flight as a fully-fledged airline pilot. OK, I was only a second officer, but I had finally completed all my training and I was going to fly a real, proper flight with passengers. I'd been called in as a last minute replacement, normally a three ringer would be sitting in the co-pilot's seat, but a bug going round the company had left me the only available replacement.
Moreover we were off to Tenerife, one of my favourite holiday spots, and due to a quirk of the scheduling of the original crew, we had a two night layover which meant that we'd have a whole day to spend soaking up the sun on the company expense. There was only one small fly in the ointment, the Captain for the flight was Sarah Hardcastle, one of the most senior pilots at the company and with a reputation of being a ball-buster. I'd never flown with her, but everyone quaked when her name was mentioned, apparently she was a stickler for the regulations in an already highly regulated profession, one mistake and you were out, or so the word went.
The shuttle bus pulled up outside the crew ready room and I went in, a smile on my face, determined to make a good impression. I walked in and immediately saw Captain Hardcastle, sitting at a desk poring over some papers. She looked ostentatiously at her watch, I knew I wasn't late, but she was presumably making a point. I walked up to her and offered my hand, "Captain Hardcastle, Gavin Phillips, Second Officer, I've been seconded to be your Right-Seater."
"I prefer the term Co-pilot Mr Phillips, now that you're here you can cast your eye over the flight plan they've prepared for us and let me have your thoughts." I gulped. Flight plans were prepared by specialists who rarely made a mistake, and although I was very familiar with the process I had little practical experience. Nevertheless I took it and sat down, running the calculations through my mind. They all seemed perfectly fine, but then I looked at the weather forecast and saw the unseasonable storm that was heading just to the north of our proposed track.
Taking my balls firmly in my hand I offered, "Perhaps we should increase the fuel load by 10 per cent Captain, if that storm heads a bit further south we could be in for some stronger headwinds."
"Are you suggesting that the despatchers have got it wrong Second Officer Phillips?"
"No Captain, but I'd rather be safe than sorry."
"Is that a technical term? Never mind, get on the phone and get an extra 10 percent loaded on my authorisation, I happen to agree with you." I picked up the phone and arranged for the necessary changes to be made as I looked over at my senior colleague. She was about forty years old, a good twelve years older than me, and had a figure that certainly couldn't be called sylph-like, although I had to admit the company uniform of jacket and trousers wasn't the most flattering for women. However she exuded assuredness and competence, the four rings and star on her sleeves confirming that competence.
Four of the eight scheduled cabin crew turned up, chattering away, one man about the same age as the Captain was the Purser, then three stewardesses, two of whom in their twenties could only be called gorgeous, and the third, a slightly older but a still attractive woman. I introduced myself, shaking their hands, they seemed very friendly and obviously knew each other well, the two younger ones identifying themselves as Julie and Tina, the older one as Karen. "I see we've got Sarah Hardcastle," the Purser observed, "best be on our toes then, doesn't like problems doesn't our Sarah. The six of us will be laying over, the remaining four are scheduled to return with the aircraft and a new flight crew."
I was beginning to get a bit nervous, but this was what I'd trained long and hard for and I was determined to put on a good show. We boarded the aircraft and Captain Hardcastle and I entered the cockpit, removing our jackets and hanging them up. I was surprised at the figure that was revealed underneath, a lot trimmer than I had thought, and a surprisingly large pair of breasts. I couldn't help but stare at them straining against her shirt as I heard her say, "They're just tits Phillips, they don't get in the way of me flying you know."
"Sorry Captain," I apologised, looking up at her face and fortunately seeing no rancour there. We settled into our seats and began the thorough checks that every aeroplane had to undergo before we determined it was properly prepared. It was a joint effort and I found that she was actually very easy to work with, brisk and business like, but not unfriendly. Finally we were done and the Purser came into the cockpit for the Captain to sign off. All the passengers had turned up, and we had a full load and a very heavy aircraft.
"Update from Despatch Captain," he handed over a sheet of paper which she scanned, then looked over at me and smiled.
"Looks like you were right Phillips, that storm has shifted and we'll need the extra fuel. Good call!" I beamed inwardly, pleased that I'd started off well. "Right," she continued, "your aircraft, take her out."
I looked at her, staggered, some Captains liked to do everything themselves, some delegated to the more experienced co-pilots, but it was almost unheard of for someone as raw as me to be given such an opportunity.
"You do know how to fly her don't you?" she asked, a slight edge to her voice.
"Yes Captain," and I got busy. Everything was pre-determined on a check list, but it was my decision when to do them. The tug pushed us out and I ordered engine start, then we were off under our own power, taxiing over the aprons, making our way to the end of the runway under the guidance of Ground Control. I'd read in the papers that very morning that a careless pilot had clipped wings at Heathrow and I was determined to make sure we didn't.
