Back in 1987 at LTN, a day shift from hell was unveiling itself. During the 18 (yes 18) hour shift we had over 56 diversions due to fog, and that was just the ones we handled. As the end of the shift came closer, most of the aircraft had positioned back to their bases or performed live flights back into Europe. All except one........
A Dan Air crew came up to LTN by taxi to take a 1-11 back down to LGW only to find that there was no ballast left on the airport to get it in trim for the ferry flight. A rather disgruntled Captain was not amused at the thought of having to go back to LGW empty handied. Thus I asked him to grab himself a coffee and wait a while. I set off in the ramp van transit and an hour later proceeded to load the 1-11 forward hold with 250kgs of breeze blocks "borrowed" from a building site just outside the airport.
A now very happy Captain applauded my work by handing me a £10 note and told me to buy myself a drink or 2 when the pubs opened.........
Rumour has it that the Captain's house sported a new front porch shortly after
