Don’t mind me ... I’m flying
’ll cut to the chase and admit it—when I’m flying, the earth could split under my feet, aliens could rise from the soil, and I’d still have my eye on my Eindecker. Well, okay, maybe not in that exact situation, but my point is that I’m in full-focus mode when flying, so I kindly forewarn people that while I’m flying, any attempts to chat with me about what we should have for lunch at an RC event, how my summer went, or what I think of the US presidential candidates, will only be met with a few quick words of acknowledgement.
Okay, maybe there will be a head nod and slight smile thrown into the mix, but it ends there. At best, I’ll utter a curt, emotionless response such as, “It was good. I’ll tell you more later.” In some cases, I might just respond that I can’t talk right now.
Don’t mind me, I’m flying. For me, it’s just not the time to delve into world events or talk about whether or not I think a vendor will lower its price on batteries.
Really, it’s not you. It’s me. Cliché, I know.
I don’t mean to sound, well, mean. It’s just that I’m in my zone, anticipating shifts in breezes, trying to ignore persistent bumblebees, and navigating a sky filled with other aircraft. I simply can’t entertain thoughts about what
pizza toppings I want for that evening’s dinner.
When I say I’m in my zone, I’m also focused on the pleasantries of flight. In other words, I’m enjoying the moment, free of thoughts about the pile of laundry that awaits me at home or my upcoming podiatrist appointment.
It’s a wonderful escape from the everyday, not to mention that my airplane looks pretty darn neat up there in the sky, if I say so myself. I enjoy getting lost in the beauty that’s gracing the sky, catching glances of the other airplanes up there as well.
For anyone who ever thought I was rude to them when they approached me on the flightline, I hope you understand.
If anyone thinks that another pilot gave him or her the cold shoulder, know where that pilot might be coming from. If he or she is anything like me, this is often a time set aside for just that person and the model. No interruptions. No side gossip. And certainly not feeling all warm and fuzzy when a flying pal launches into a “Hey, did I tell you about …” story, just as the airplane goes dead-stick.
I heard what you said about pizza toppings, but right now, my priority is landing somewhere far, far away from that cornfield. Besides, now I’m even hungrier than I was before and truthfully, a pepperoni and mushroom pizza is all I can think about. Sigh …
Do I admire those who can hover an inch above the grass while talking about the latest movie that he or she just saw? Of course, but that’s not me.
For what it’s worth, it’s the same when I parallel park (especially in an area with which I’m unfamiliar). I lower the radio as though it’ll improve my focus and in turn, allow me to ace the maneuvers in one attempt.
It’s not that I wasn’t enjoying the song that was playing; it’s just that not hearing it seems to improve the task at hand. No offense to that old Eddie Money tune.
Even while watching television, I’m engrossed in the dialogue, facial expressions, and how the extras are acting more than I’m inclined to give a detailed commentary of what I’m observing.
I know I’m not alone. After all, I’ve had moments where I was that person. I recall times when people have outright told me, “Not now.”
Even during flight preparation, there are those who hardly engage in conversation. Of course, this makes sense from a safety perspective too; spinning a propeller is hardly the time to talk about—you guessed it—pizza toppings. Doing so can throw the entire process off, rendering the flight a shaky one.
Sometimes, keeping to oneself transcends flying and preflight preparation. Even resting at the flightline, sitting in chairs, and taking in the flying sights might involve some “Well, let’s just agree to disagree” conversations.
This is especially the case when the “p” word (politics) comes up. But sometimes, with personalities being what they are, that other “p” word comes about (persistence), and all it takes is one person to keep the political banter going. Yikes.
To break from the conversation and restore their sanity, some pilots leave what was meant to be a relaxing, sit-down session with their buddies and decide to make a flight. Nothing like taking to the skies to reduce the blood pressure spikes brought about by too-intense conversations.
As the phrase goes, there’s a time and place for certain conversations. For me, this is the case while I’m flying or taking in all of the sights at the flightline. I’m immersed in flight and all of its details—albeit to an escapist degree—but it’s all about relishing the moment.
Really. Don’t mind me when I’m flying. Now to find that take-home Italian menu. For some reason, I’m craving a couple of slices.
