The Airport Fence

Coming back from Eastern Canada we stopped at an uncontolled airport,
well it was a class E zone. But the story is, as the ramper was gassing
me up he asked if we would be departing right away and I said, "Yes as
soon as we pay." He replied to me, "That would be great as the little
kid has been there for an hour and hasn't seen much action". Looking
over was a little boy with his nose and fingers poking throught he chain
link fence. His mother some 20 feet away sitting on a large rock in an
decorative garden. Both baking in the hot sun. So when the ramper was
done gassing and went in to the FBO I went over and invited them out to
see the plane. Of course they told me they arn't allowed to and I said
sure you are, now. Just go into that building and I will bring you out.
Everytime I do this the people are afraid to enter the FBO even.

So while I paid my wife showed them the plane and let the boy sit in the
front. Sit in the back. Answer questions, look and touch. See it up close.

This made thier day. And mine. I always do this as it is important to
pause from our rushed schedules sometimes. That day, I arranged with the
ramper, (not busy otherwise) to stay with them airside to watch us
depart. I made it clear though after we left they would have to go back
to their observation post as they are not allowed airside, unescorted.
And I made it clear that the ramper knew I advised them of what was
expected, so he wouldn't be on the spot.

I do this allot. When you look over to the fence and see sometimes a
whole family watching from a crummy spot, what else can you do???? And
they never even expected me to be friendly. There has always been a
stunned moment, like they were looking into some headlights?

It's almost as satisfying as flying. I can't describe it, but I do
encourge it, if you are able to steal 10 or 15 minutes out of a busy
day. It is well worth it for all concerned.

John