The Pilot

A photographer from a well-known national magazine was assigned to cover

the recent fires. The magazine wanted to show some of the heroic work of

the firefighters as they battled the blaze. When the photographer

arrived, he realized that the smoke was so

thick that it would seriously impede or make it impossible for him to

photograph anything from ground level.

He requested permission to rent a plane and take photos from the air.

His request was approved, and arrangements were made. He was told to

report to a nearby airport, where a single engine plane would be waiting

for him. He arrived at the airport and saw a plane warming up near the

gate. He jumped in with his bag and shouted, "Let's go!" The pilot swung

the plane into the wind, and within minutes they were in the air. The

photographer said, "Fly over the park and make two or three low passes so

I can take some pictures." Each time they made a pass and got closer,

and even when they could

feel the heat, the photographer said "one more and get closer"

Fianally when the photographer said "get down and fly in and out of the

flames" The extremely nervous pilot asked "Why?" "Because I am a

photographer for a Time Magazine," he responded,"and I need some

close-up shots."

The pilot was silent for a moment; finally he stammered, :uhoh21: "So, you're

telling me you're not the flight instructor?"