Assigned Seating

Roland looked at his watch, then the clock on his instrument panel. They were identical to the second, but he always found himself checking both when they were running behind. Of course it happened— weather delays and safety checks were part of the business. At least on Roland’s crew, there were rarely preventable delays. Which …

Not Very Professional

Roland stepped into the cockpit, ignoring the noise of surprise from the young woman in what was usually his chair. He cast a somewhat curious look at the seat across from her, where his copilot sat staring up at him. "Justin," Roland said plainly by way of greeting. "Sir," Justin said politely, nodding back, and …

We Apologize for the Delay

Roland stepped out of the cockpit for the third time, again consulting with Sharon, the head of his crew. “She said she was ten minutes away,” she said before the captain could ask. “That was twenty minutes ago,” he said brusquely. “Well I don’t know what you want me to tell you,” the older woman …

This Is Your Captain Speaking

Roland stepped out of the cockpit, smile planted firmly on his face, and joined Sharon, the head flight attendant, as she said goodbye to deplaning passengers. They began their usual habit of conversing between polite greetings, with Roland speaking under his breath first, “What’s the story with Nate? I heard you fussing at him earlier.” …