On a miserable day like today perhaps it is worth swapping a story or two.
The theme is something between landing and parking.
I was reminded a while ago that the flight doesnt finish until the engines are off. It also reminded me of two occasions in my flying career I would rather forget.
I recall many years ago visiting Earls Colne for the first time. What a lovely airfield it is. However, I also recall as you taxi to the park there is a dog leg in the taxi way with a large hedge on your left. At your peril if you dont follow the centre line sure as anything you will drag your wing through the hedge - which looks very unforgiving. For some reason my mind was elsewhere - to my chagrin to this day I dont really know how I missed that hedge - but I did, miss it that is. Not only that but I seem to recall there was even a sign to warn absent minded pilots - like me.
I think I am blessed in only having had one other similiar incident between landing and parking - and on this occasion my quick witted crew just happened to take the perfect photo.
This will be a greaser I thought to myself, somewhat contentedly.
How wrong that assumption proved to be.
The transporter in the photo was unbeknown to me doing full power run ups just to one side of the threshold but far enough away not to be noticed. Well as you can imagine a sudden 90 degrees turbulent crosswind does nothing for your constitution just when you thought the wheels were about to kiss the ground and lunch seemed more compelling than flying.
Come on guys, have you any stories between landing and parking for a miserable, wet and windy day / evening.
