I thought I was the only one that ever saw that. The puddle-jumper
shuttle flights from San Juan to Ponce, Puerto Rico had the same deal. I
watched with eyes wide as the pilot started the engines, made the sign of
the cross while the co-pilot did the same plus kissed the statue hanging
from a knob on the cockpit panel. At least they could have pulled the
curtain.


Here's a puddle jumper story. On a flight from Miami to Marsh Harbour, I'm
sitting right behind the pilot (some damn 12 year old beat me to the right
seat). As we're approaching the airstrip in Marsh Harbour, the pilot drops
the landing gear. I just happen to notice that he's only got two of the
three lock lights lit. I says to myself, "well, this is an interesting
development". I'm thinking this pilot, who looks to be about 21 years old,
will be doing an instrument scan any moment and will notice the missing lit
bulb. Finally, we're on final approach less than a minute to touchdown, and
the pilot is clueless. I'm thinking, do I deliver him a clue, or just let
it go? Being the gutless wonder that I am, I choose to bring awareness to
the pilot. He's wearing headphones, so I can't just say "excuse me, but
we're all about to die", so I tap him on the right shoulder and point might
finger to the less than complete triad of lights. He utters an "Oh ****",
shoves the throttles to the firewall, and we get about as close to a touch
and go as you get without the touching part. After gaining altitude, he
pushes the test button and all three lights glow, eliminating the
possibility of a burnt out bulb. The next 15 minutes are spent circling the
airport while he studies the procedure manual. His corporate bosses back in
Miami instruct him to do a flyby of the Marsh Harbour tower (well it's sort
of a tower) to see if they can tell if all three gear are down. The tower
says they look down to them, but who knows. His only alternative at that
point is to make as gentle a landing as possible, and hope for the best. As
I recall, the gear in question was under the right wing. This kid make a
beautiful soft landing, first touching down the left gear, then the nose
gear, and finally, like his grandmother was on board, the softest touch
imaginable on the right gear. Turns out the gear was in fact down and
locked, so no big deal. After he parks and cuts the engines, I ask him what
happens next to him and the plane. He says he'll be spending the night on
the island, and a mechanic will be flown in tomorrow, probably to replace a
sensor. A great way to start a vacation in the Bahamas. Rum for everybody!