In the Cockpit

Another "bee" story.

“Flight Level 200 going to 330,” said Captain Basil Todd, the pilot-in-command of Aero Horizon 982.

“Roger that, Basil,” Co-pilot Raines said. “Uh, don’t look now, Captain, but I think we’ve got some company.”

“Company? What kind of company?” the Captain asked.

“Take a look to the right of the airspeed indicator. We’ve got a bee on board, Basil.”

“Ooo, that’s not good. Has it moved?” asked Captain Todd.

“The bee or the indicator? No, I don’t think so. Well, once we get to altitude, we’ll deal with it if the altitude hasn’t already dealt with it.”

“We pressurize 8000, right?”

“Yeah, I believe so,” the Co-pilot said.

“Do bees acclimate to cabin pressure of 8000 feet??

“I hope not. Ever seen one at altitude?” Co-pilot Raines said.

Captain Todd said, “Can’t say as I have. At the very least it’ll slow it down a bit. Can you swat it?”

“It’s kinda at an awkward angle. Let me get my notepad.”

The co-pilot got up and pulled out a notebook from his flight bag. He took a swat at the bee and it fell to the ground. After he scooped it up onto the notebook, he said, “Say, Basil, do bees have Velcro attached to them normally?”

“Flight Level 290 going to 330,” Captain Todd said.

“Roger that, Captain. And would you looky here,” the co-pilot said. “A piece of Velcro stuck to the airspeed indicator. Almost as if the bee was planted.”

Captain Todd asked, “Were you going to help me fly this bad boy to altitude or jaw on about a bee?”

“Roger that, sir. Well played.”

“Just be glad I haven’t found an affordable bee drone yet. That kind of humor may not be as welcome.”

“You’ve got that right, sir,” said the co-pilot.