I was at some sort of wedding anniversary party for the parents of a friend of my partner. We four youngsters and lots of old people. We got paired off with Uncle Harry and his wife for drinks because "he's interested in helicopters". Uncle Harry was obviously retired, a totally non-descripit "Senior Citizen" complete with grey suit, tie and nice clean black shoes. Now I am usually extremely tolerant and courteous when people ask the same old questions about helicopters,but...for some reason that day I had my Intolerant Head on.
The conversation went something like..
H : So you are a helicopter pilot?
ST: Mmmm.
H: You must enjoy it?
ST:Mmmm.
H:What sort of helicopter do you fly
ST: (to his eternal shame) A little red, white and blue one
H: Sorry, a what?
ST: Just a small one
H: Oh, what sort?
ST
Looking round for the bar) Its called a Bell Jetranger
H: What sort of an engine does it have?
ST: (Thinks : this will get me out of this conversation) An Alison 250 C20. Thats a small gas turbine engine.
H: Ah yes, Alison. Aren't they owned by Rolls Royce now?
ST: (Silence while I think about this)
ST: Yes they are. How do you know?
H: I used to work for Rolls Royce
ST: (prepared to curl up and die) and what did you do there, Harry?
H: Design and Development Engineer, Aero engines Division
Oh b@gger. I'll get my coat.