Ahhhh - Crash Axes
I do recall a TN/AN Pilot strike where our EW Pilots had elected to keep flying in the mid eighties.
No TN traffic service was provided in MEL, so I flew over to do LOCO/Traffic.
We were warned that there could be on tarmac action, as there had been some assaults and phone calls to Pilot's homes just after they departed for the day at work (And there were a few incidents around bay 5 that shall not be expanded on) so we taxiied in with no1 shut down, the forward hatch open (Shagger Howell at the helm) with the FO armed with the crash axe and me armed with that nasty red thinggy you used to cleat the ailerons.
It was an interesting couple of days. Very long ones too.
No help whatsoever from TN, but it didn't matter, We got there quite well, with FA's chucking bags on their days off . The crash axe is a wonderful business card though. It identifies you and your intentions without a single word!!
It is amazing what a bloke can to to the TN consolidated plan left alone in Gate 9 with nobody around and a programmers sign-in
Best all
EWL