What time do you go to bed and wake up currently?
When I was young and full of sleep and optimism, nothing confused me more than seeing old pilots already at the airport before the sun even considered clockin’ in. I’d stumble in at 0430, looking like I lost a fight with a blanket burrito, only to find them cheerful. Suspiciously cheerful, like they knew something I didn’t.
I used to think it was some kind of ancient aviator ritual. Maybe they were out there summoning tailwinds, sacrificing expired sectional charts to the weather gods, or trying to unlock some FAA superpower like “on-time departures.” Or maybe it was just a battle royale to see who could claim the chair with the least duct tape on it.
But now, years—and creaky joints— later… yeah, I get it!
It’s not mysticism. It’s biology!
You see, my alarm clock isn’t on my phone anymore. It’s in my knees, my lower back, and that traitorous shoulder that pops like bubble wrap every time I reach for a Pop-Tart. And don’t even get me started on my bladder—it’s now operating on Zulu time.
If you see an old pilot power-walking at the airport at 0445, don’t be fooled—they’re not headed to the briefing room or trying to get steps in. They’re just desperately searching for the nearest bathroom while trying to maintain dignity and not break into the “I-regret-that-second-cup-of-coffee” dance.
Sure, my eyes are begging for five more minutes of sleep, but my body is already at full throttle yelling, “We’re up! Let’s go judge people’s rolling luggage and socks!” Because, really… is there anything else to do at that horrible time?
So, to all the young aviators out there: enjoy your snooze button while you can. Because one day—one glorious day—you’ll find yourself wide awake at 0415, sipping lukewarm coffee, swapping stories about turbulence from 1997, and pretending you meant to get there that early.
Crock’s Thoughts 