Fun with Co

[KenG]

Practical jokes and pranks on FNGs (Flipping New Guys) has to be one of the oldest of pilot past times. Many pilots have spent hours of
time inventing new ways to embarrass brand new Cos. While generally the Instructors allow the Captains to play this game every now
and then we can not help ourselves.

Now a jet engine every now and then needs to be washed. Yes I am serious we wash the insides of a jet engine removing built up
carbon and salt deposits. This is normally a job that maintenance performs without any pilots, but taking the FNG out to participate in this
event is often a good teaching point as how often do they get to see the engine without all of the covers on.

So we head out to the airplane ready to wash out the engines. I talk the Co through the steps that we will follow for this process. As we get
ready to wash the engines I will usually start my fun by looking over where the mechanic is standing and ask:

"Where is the gas path?"

I expect the Co to be fully ready for this one. By now he has been sent for prop wash, jet wash, flight line or maybe even
some shore line as he worked his way up the flying ladder. Usually we get, "Yeah right Gas Path" and it takes some bantering back
and forth to send the FNG back for a can of gas path. The Co fully expecting he is on a wild goose chase will come up with the most
amazing stuff. I have had some guys come back empty handed and others bring me back a bucket of tap water with some making tape
labeled "Gas Path." One or two more trips back and finally talking with the right person they return with the prize. A can of ELDORADO
brand Gas Path turbine engine solvent, referred to by maintenance simply as "Gas Path".

[SkyAirWorld]

hahahahaha

I remember when I was flying props...

Got the first Pilot in Command (As I was the only pilot onboard) RPT flights...

Was full flight on a Cessna 404 Titan.... All 12 seats filled...

I escorted the passengers out to the aircraft, "please mind your head on the tail, and door on the way in"

Then just as I finished double checking the nose cone was locked... infront of all the passengers... I walked head first into the prop....

..My face was certianlly red... and little did I know that the other pilots had all been watching the window to watch my face on the first
engine start as I had promised them a couple of nice little revs.........