Have you ever been on a plane and seen some uniformed pilots
sitting in the passenger cabin? This is not at all uncommon, since
most airlines at one time or another need pilots to cover a flight
at an airport other than the one at which they're based. When
pilots ride this way as passengers, this is known in the industry
as "deadheading." In some cases, due to weather, mechanical
problems, or crew flight-time legalities crews are called out at
the very last moment to catch a deadheading flight. And so begins
our story...
While taxiing out for takeoff, the Boeing 727 suddenly came to a
stop. With the aircraft still on the taxiway, the flight attendant
in the back began to lower the aft stairway. Behind the plane, a
van with flashing lights came to a screeching halt and out jumped
three deadheading pilots. They grabbed their bags and ran to the
plane.
As they ran up the stairs, the pilot in front continued running up
the aisle shouting, "I can't believe the stewardess got the plane
this far. I didn't know she even knew how to start the
engines!"
For a number of passengers it took quite some time before they
realized they had been had by these jokers, you couldn't believe
the startled looks on their faces!