Friday, January 28, 2005

Pressure It was time. I boarded the aircraft. The crew members entered the pressurized interior chamber ahead of me. I hung back in the outer enclosed area, standing in the doorway, waving at my friends and relatives who came to say good-bye. They seemed warm and supportive. While I procrastinated, gazing into the faces of my loved ones, doors behind me were slammed shut and bolted from the inside. Then the outer doors were closed. I was trapped in the space between--the unprotected, unpressurized space. The craft began to taxi. The predicament was grim. I was a slight girl, clad only in a thin cotton shift or slip. I was trapped, cold and alone, out of sight and earshot of both inner and outer worlds. The craft began its deafening ascent. I collapsed in a writhing heap, barely able to breathe because of the pressure on my lungs. G forces mashed my body into the floor and walls. My face contorted into a painful grimace, my lips were drawn back, my eardrums were near exploding. I must have been screaming but I couldn't hear myself over the roar. Suddenly we attained altitude. Silence. Stillness. The crew emerged and helped me to the interior, a close compartment containing instruments and room for a pilot, a navigator, and a couple of helpful attendants. Soon I felt better. I felt wonderful. Soon I was a vital part of the crew myself. (appr. 1985) 5:37:13 PM    comment []