In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really, even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”
Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/12/12/kreative-kue-390/
The photo.
The Landing by John W. Howell ©2022
“Avignon approach, Cessna N1977.”
“Go ahead, 1977.”
“Currently at 2000 Heading point 027 three miles SSW of the airport. I have the information.”
“Roger 1977. Altimeter 395. Descend and maintain 1000. Overcast conditions. Ceiling 500 feet. Visibility 3/10ths. Wind calm.”
“What does all that mean?”
“Say again 1977.”
“I just want to land. What was all that other stuff?”
“I gave you the height of the runway and the fact that it’s overcast and not very good conditions. Oh yes, and I told you to descend to 1000 feet.”
“I got the 1000 feet, but why not just say it’s lousy there.”
“You need the information so that you can make a safe landing. I will also tell you when you are cleared to land.”
“Oh, come on. This puppy is going to land whether you like it or not.”
“Excuse me. How long have you been flying?”
“I left Paris two hours ago.”
“No, I mean, how long have you had a license.”
“License? I didn’t realize you needed a license.”
“Oh my. I think we have a problem.”
“No, we don’t. I’m descending to 500 feet and have the airport in sight.”
“You hold it right there, 1977. You are not going to splatter that plane on the runway on my watch.”
“Don’t you think it would be better to land on your precious runway than to run out of fuel and splatter into the countryside?”
“Let me ask. How much fuel and how many souls are on board?”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“I need to know how many fire engines to have waiting. The more the fuel, the bigger the fire.”
“And the souls?”
“We need to account for everyone after the fact.”
“Okay. I have about four gallons, and I’m the only one here. I’m still on a vector for the airport. I see runway 22 ahead. Seems clear.”
“Fine, you are cleared to land on runway 22. What is your name.”
“Why?”
“I want to make sure the arrest documents are correct.”
“Al Smith.”
“Very funny.”
“What’s funny?”
“What’s your real name.”
“I just gave it to you. Also, you can relax. I am on the ground.
“Contact the tower at 199.6. Have a nice day.”
“Tower Cessna N1977 with you.”
“Roger 1977, proceed to the intersection 19L and hold for further instructions.”
“What are all those red and blue lights?”
“Nothing at all, sir. Just hold at 19L.”
Fiction Favorites 
Why do I picture Leslie Nielson in the pilot’s seat?
This was muy fun, my friend!
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I think he is using a false name here. Thanks, Dale.
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Ahhhh…. that makes sense…
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If anything could make sense in this story.
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Well yeah… But who needs sense?
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😊
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Good one, John. Who needs things like licences, rules and boring, technical jargon?
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Not this guy. That’s for sure.
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😀
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Geez. Probably should have tried a different airport.
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Good suggestion. Oh well he’s in it now.
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Oh my. We live near Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and there are always small craft in the air. I love seeing the students fly by and wish I could do the same. But…maybe I should be worried. Good one, John. 😄
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I think they have it well in hand. Thanks, Gwen.
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Great fun–until the cops arrive!
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Ha ha ha. So true in life too.
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Yep!!
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No license…oh man! Good one, John!
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Thank you, Jill.
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It goes with open carry. Don’t shoot at the red and blue lights or at the nuclear weapons. Scotty one to beam up… er now Mr. Scott !
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Sorry captain I’ma given’ er all she’s got.
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Oh dear. There could have been so many ways to tell this story, but you chose the best one, John — thanks!
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Aww. Thank you, Debbie.
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Hmm. Now I am wondering why Al Smith stole the plane in Paris. There’s a story in all of that. 🙂 Great response to the prompt!
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There is a big backstory potential here. Thanks, Jan
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Well, he made the landing. Now he has to face the music. Good one, John! 🙂
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Well done, John. You could base a new serial on this. Thanks for the Tuesday smiles. Hugs.
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Oh dear! I understand the concern.
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Thank you, Denise.
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Well, he stuck the landing…but now he’s just stuck!
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Yup.
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It’s all health and safety gone mad…
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Yes indeed.
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Cute one again. haha, he’s getting arrested one way or the other.
I thought “Dang it Martha, I worked for 5 years to get that street light fixed and now that we’re in a blackout – the streetlight goes on!!”
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I love that one, GP.
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This is why I do not like to fly! onehast to come back to the ground…
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There is always a return to the ground one way or another. Thanks, Pamela.
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It’s all fun and games until someone loses a runway.
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Yeah. Then life gets serious.
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Sounds like a scene from Airplane.
“Surely you can’t be serious.”
“I am serious . . . and don’t call me Shirley.”
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Pete
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I was waiting for “I don’t need no stinking license.” Good one, John.
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Ha ha ha. Not these days, Dan
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Interesting post 👍
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Thank you.
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“What are all those red and blue lights?” Hahaha! This was great.
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Thank you, Priscilla. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Another thanks, Michael.
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My pleasure, John! Sorry, this own WP setup always duplicates the entries.
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It’s fine
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A great and pleasureful reading. Thanks for sharing, John! xx Michael
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Thanks for letting me know you liked it, Michael. 😁
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As always a great pleasure to read. John! xx Michael
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😁
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This was fun, John. Fans of Airplane will love this post.
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[…] The Landing by John W. Howell © 2022 […]
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