Continuing our quest to cross the Atlantic from Newark, we have run across another little problem. If you’ve been following along you know that we first were delayed half a day because of maintenance issues. Another few hours delay added up to a need for more fuel and a return to the gate. Underway a while now, we have returned once again. Apparently, just as we were about to take off, one of the passengers decided they did not want to go.
In the world of travel writers, we call this “Christmas” and the presents just keep on coming.
Backing up to our last time returning to the gate, you’ll recall that we needed about 10,000 pounds of fuel which, we are told, is not all that much. Just a topping off of the tank, if you will. But another issue involved the fact that we had forgotten to bring along a mechanic.
Apparently, one is required on the other side of the pond, to certify that the aircraft is safe to fly back and (we guess) nobody trusts the mechanics over there. Well its either that or (we’re told) that there is a maintenance issue happening that can be fixed on the trip over, in flight.
Somehow I am reminded of an old episode of Twilight Zone when a passenger spotted monkeys on the wings in flight.
So back to the gate we go, probably taking on a few grand in fuel.
Did I mention that I absolutely LOVE to fly?
Flickr photo by coffee with sugar
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