Make the Right Decisions

     “I guess by the looks on your faces you realize the weather forecast for today.” Jason broke the somber silence. The clouds were low, and light fog whisped on the mountains around the Beliem River like cobwebs.

     “Those of you flying the southern routes – Doug, Bryan, Steve, and John – consider staying home with your families. This is a good time to take the day off and catch up on whatever paperwork you might have,” Jason said as he traced a pointer along the wall map. “The rest of you have somewhat clear flying ahead but be prepared for the worst if the weather changes.”

    “Jason,” Steve said. “I think today would be great for getting John used to flying under conditions he will most likely face. He seems to grasp the fundamentals of flight related to the mountainous areas and is impressive flying under simulated fog conditions.”

     “I understand, but what are you suggesting? Not flying would actually be the proper realistic response to the weather condition,” said Jason.

     “No sir, just fly a little north of here and come south a little to see how he handles the light fog,” Steve explained. “I can point out terrain features to help him make the right decisions.”

I Got This, Don't Ride Me

     John left through the creaky screen door into the thick night air. He noticed that the air smelled musty, and the sky started clouding a little. Cooler air was coming in and surely the warming air would rise and present a foggy morning.             
      February through April was the time of year for rain. John nodded greetings to some of the other pilots as he made his way to the dorm. He saw someone in the darkness approach from the direction of John’s building.

     “I guess Steve has told you the good news,” said Jason’s tall silhouette.

     “Yes, he has. Thank you,” replied John.

     “You’re welcome. If you fly as well as you are determined too, that’s great. I let you fly because I trust you with the lives of locals, missionaries and possibly my family. I have to know I can put my life and those of others in your care.”

     “You’re all safe with me,” John said.

     “I hope so. There are people all over the world trusting me to make the right decisions with their family members. That means choosing carefully who will pilot them. If anything happens, I answer to these people. That means total concentration on the work at hand, nothing else. From the time your training begins, I want you to promise all your focus will be from flight to flight. If not, I will ground you. I can’t fire you, but I can make your life so miserable as to contemplate resignation. Do we have an agreement?” Jason asked.

     He thinks he has it all figured out, thought John. It rubbed him the wrong way. “I appreciate your concern, but don’t ride me. I do well at the yoke, and I come with more than a thousand hours of flying under dangerous conditions. This is nothing new.”

     Both men stood head to head in the dark, neither knowing what to do next. After a few moments, Jason spoke up. “Why don’t we just call it a night? Just remember what I told you. The responsibility for these people lies with you.”

Jeffrey W. Bennett, is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals.

He's Pretty Much No-Nonsense-An Excerpt

“I would have never known,” John responded.

“He’s not the type to go crazy over anyone, but he thinks you are ready to leave the nest. Only you are getting a chance to do so sooner than most. He trusts my judgment. I’ve told him of your abilities, plus all your jungle flying experience only helped him with his decision. We think you arrived here fully capable and the process is just a formality.”

“Not to mention Paul Abbot,” Rachel said.

“Don’t tell me he decided to leave?” John asked.

“He can’t exactly stay here with a special needs child. His place is with his family,” said Steve.

“I know. I thought there was something that could be done here for them,” said John.

“I’ll have to tell you about the boarding schools later.” Steve knew he still had a lot to show John “But that pales in comparison to how harsh an environment ours would be for a pilot trying to meet his child’s requirements.”

“I know how badly he wanted to stay,” said John.

“God still has plans for him,” Steve reminded.

But do those plans include flying? John thought.

“Tomorrow we’ll hit some mountain passages and see how you handle ‘em,” said Steve.

“I’m ready to hit it,” said John.

“Understand that Jason cares for everyone here and is careful how he dispatches the pilots and missionaries. He has to evaluate everyone. No slackers, no individuals, and definitely no hot shots,” Steve said.

“Yeah, I figured him as no nonsense,” said John.

“Just remember, there is a lot of pressure that comes with his job. And there’s a whole string of events that led him here,” said Steve.

“I guess so,” John said. He reluctantly pushed back from the table. “I’d better go.”

Jeffrey W. Bennett, is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals.

Is that a Problem? An Excerpt from Commitment A Novel

“John, I know you are tolerating the time here you aren’t flying. After all, you’ve made quite an impression on the other pilots and mechanics,” said Steve a few weeks later over after-dinner coffee.

“I guess my background as a crew chief and mechanic actually came in handy.”

“All the other families talk about how you’ve been helping out with teaching. Some of the pilots say you are a natural with air frames and powerplants,” Rachel, Steve’s wife said.

“That’s all fine, but what about Jason? I need to earn his respect or something. I’ve got to figure out how to make him see I’m ready to start some serious flying.”

“I really don’t think that will be too far into the future.”

John noticed Rachel’s pursing lips and quivering chin, her attempt to hide a mischievous smile.

“Okay, guys, what’s going on? I’ve only known you a little while, but nonetheless, too well.”

“It’s like this. No matter how you imagine your relationship with Jason, he respects you tremendously. But he knows your heart isn’t in it for the long haul,” said Steve.

“Who does he think...,” said John.

“Hold on now, let me finish. We’ve had lots of pilots here and each with his own reasons. Some want to be missionaries, some are drawn by danger, and some, like you, love to fly but have future plans that don’t end here,” said Steve.

“Is that usually a problem?” asked John.

“Of course not,” Rachel interrupted. “We’ve always accepted everyone who served with us no matter what motivated them to do so. God has his own way of bringing people into his work.”

“She’s right. And Jason sees that potential in you. You’ve impressed him thus far, and he is ready to give you more responsibility, right away,” Steve said.

Jeffrey W. Bennett, is the author of Commitment-A Novel and other non-fiction books, novels and periodicals.