Will turned to me the other day with a big smile on his face. “Charlie can take four people now”, he announced. Well, obviously not right now as no-one’s going anywhere until at least 2 December; but apparently, at some point in the future, four of us can go on a flight without risking the plane being too heavy to get off the ground.
“How can that be?” I wondered. It was only a few days ago that we were sheepishly explaining to friends that if the four of us wanted to go on a trip out, one of us would have to get the train.
I was informed that the reason for this sudden change, was that Charlie had just been weighed and had lost approx 55lb since his last weigh-in at the end of 2016.
I wasn’t convinced. I mean how did that happen?
- What bits have fallen off without anyone noticing?
- What item of vital equipment has someone decided we can do without?
- Is Charlie now like Trigger’s broom, with so many bits replaced that there’s none of the original left? After all, materials are more lightweight now.
Thankfully, I’ve found out it’s none of those things. Most, if not all of the weight loss is due to the seats having been re-upholstered in leather. Posh, I know!
That then begged the question, what on earth was the previous upholstery made of? What coverings would weigh the same as leather, plus all that extra for four tiny seats? Carpet over a thin layer of concrete perhaps? Thick woollen tweed encrusted with lead?
The result is though, that taking into account the fuel plus essential luggage (essential being emergency kit rather than a full make-up bag), we can now have a total body weight of up to approx 46 stone. Happy days!
Cake anyone?
A Pilot's Companion 