I have sat in many public places with books opened, intently scanning the contents without too many interruptions from other people. Occasionally someone will ask what I am reading either just to be polite or to simply get my attention in order to chat about something entirely different. But when I started flying I had no idea how much attention I would receive simply by studying for it. On several occasions the reading of my flight text book has been cut short by someone interested in the subject matter. Tonight was no exception.I had the option to simply read at home, but I was hungry and whatever I had lying around in the refrigerator sounded less than appealing. So I packed my materials and headed down to the neighborhood pub, Conor O'Neills. I found an empty bar stool at a large, communal table. I ordered my bangers and mash, along with a dark ale and opened my book. It wasn't long before my waiter started making conversation about it. After about an hour of focused study, a large group arrived to fill up the remaining chairs at the table. It also wasn't long before one of the guys said, "So, uh, what are you reading?" I held up the book. "Wow." he said. "My buddy from high school got his pilot's license." Uh oh. Here goes another hour of chatting about whatever this guy thought he knew about the airline industry even though I have nothing to do with jets or Boeing or flight stewardesses. "That's great." I answered. Soon we were laughing and becoming best friends.
Then, as I was about to finish up my "study" session, another girl sitting the table mentioned that she had her private pilot's license and she would be more than happy to help me study anytime I needed it. Her name is Whitney and I can find her at the bar.
I always knew that rich kids have a bunch of friends, I never knew that pilots do too. My waiter is coming flying with me tomorrow morning.
