You’ve planned, saved, and managed your PTO for the trip of your life. Finally, at the gate, you see the bright, shiny aircraft set to fly you away to your dreams. As you await boarding, the dreaded announcement from the podium, there’s a mechanical problem. Uncertainty sets in…small delay, long delay, or cancellation?

From my experience…here’s what is happening on the airline side. The pilot, maintenance, and operations are all discussing the issue. The problem is either deferred with some paperwork, quickly repaired, a longer fix requiring talent and parts, or the plane is sent the hangar. If the issue is severe or chronic, the decision process is accelerated.

For the past several weeks, I’ve been experiencing pain in my right hip. It feels muscular, mostly in the front, sometimes in the side, and might include the lower back. It started mostly at night, but is now occurring while hiking.

How does this relate to the story?

I’m the pilot, mechanic, and airplane. My early complaints were easily deferred…self medicate. Later gripes…creams, lotions, massage. Currently…in the severe and chronic stage. Something must be done…and quickly. The driver is loosing faith in the equipment.

Without many resources, my only option…stretching…every morning, break, and at night. The stretches are often limited by space or conditions…inside a tent, dirt, rocks, cramped space. Several days ago, a small breakthrough, I felt a knot in my hip loosen. The pain has eased slightly.

It’s just enough for this driver to move the equipment. While still chronic, the issue may be returning to manageable. While too early to send the problem to the house, the possibility most definitely exists.

Time to see if there’s anything left in this old hot rod…or if the chassis is worn out.