David's Harp: Window seat
So I board a Southwest Airlines plane in West Palm Beach to return to Long Island. Before we even pull away from the gate the pilot announces that due to lightening the ground crew cannot be outside and therefore there would be a delay. After one hour the pilot informs us that there is good news and bad news. The good news is that the lightning has stopped.
The bad news is that while we were grounded it was discovered that one of the engines was not functioning and therefore the mechanics are being called in. It would be some time before they arrive and once they arrived it could take some time for the repair if it would even be deemed repairable and flight worthy. He adds that it was fortunate that we did not take off an hour ago, as this would have been a graver problem once in the air.
Because we had not left the gate we were permitted to wait in the airport at our gate lounge. I proceeded to the lounge area with the large window and looked out at the plane to watch the repairmen and mechanics. There was a lot of shrugging and pacing and walkie-talkie activity. They actually tried to get the pilot’s attention by banging on the nose of the plane. Then there were the thumbs down signals and the shaking of the heads in bewilderment and disappointment. Finally after what seemed forever they signaled the pilot and he tried the engine and it turned on. It ran for a moment and then they turned it off; and then the announcement came over the public address system that all passengers should return to the plane, as we were now ready to leave.
Personally I thought they should try the engine a second time. Even with my lawn mower I always give it a second test. As I was finding my way back to my window seat, there certainly were a number of passengers grabbing their carry on bags from the above compartment and scurrying off the plane without interest to fly on this aircraft. I decided to stay and fly. People always say, “If it’s your time, it’s your time; so don’t worry there’s nothing you can do about it.” I always wonder about what if it’s not my time, but it’s the time for the guy next to me?
