March 1st 2027.
"Where are we going, Michael?" Myra asked Michael who was grinning.
"Come on Mom, after all the routes we have taken, you still have no idea where I'm taking you?" Michael pointed.
Myra shook his head. "I really don't know, Michael. If you can tell me, I'd appreciate it. You took me out suddenly from Tagaytay while I was working at the grocery store you gave me...Wait."
Myra started realizing where they were going. "We are going to the airport?"
Michael nodded. "That's correct."
"But...where are we going?"
"We are not going anywhere, we are just headed to the airport as I am expecting a delivery," Michael said.
Myra's eyebrows rose in curiosity. "A delivery at the airport? What could possibly be so important that we need to go there to receive it?" she asked.
Michael smiled, his eyes reflecting a hint of mischief. "Well, it's something big," he hinted. "Something that wouldn't exactly fit through the front door of our house."
As they approached the airport, the scale of Michael's undertaking began to dawn on Myra. The buzz of activity and the presence of several security personnel signaled that this was no ordinary delivery. They were directed towards a private hangar, where the anticipation built further.
Pulling up to the hangar, Myra noticed the massive structure was abuzz with technicians and security staff. A large, obscured object caught her eye, covered under tarps with various logistical teams buzzing around it.
Myra recalled important memories from the past. During their stay in London, Michael went to a private jet dealership where he'd inquired about jets and he bought one. Could it be that what's covered by that tarp the jet Michael purchased back then?
"Not far away, how about in Cebu?" Michael suggested, his smile broadening. "We can test the capabilities of the jet and enjoy some time on the beach. It's a perfect spot for a quick getaway."
Myra's eyes lit up at the idea. I haven't been to Cebu in years. It would be nice to see how it's changed," she responded, her enthusiasm matching his.
Michael clapped his hands together in excitement. "Great! Let's prep for takeoff then. I'll have the crew get everything ready. We can be airborne in no time."
"Uhm sir..." said the man behind who had been following him but chose to ignore. "I am afraid we can't take her out today."
Michael turned to the man, who was dressed in a suit, caucasian looked, possibly European. "Who are you?"
"I'm Captain Heath," the man introduced himself politely. "I'm the designated captain for your aircraft. And while I understand the excitement of a first flight, we do need to follow certain protocols before we can just take off."
Michael's expression shifted from surprise to curiosity. "What kind of protocols are we talking about here?" he asked, genuinely unaware of the specifics.
Captain Heath nodded, appreciating the question. "Well, sir, for starters, there's the matter of filing a flight plan with the local aviation authority. This includes your intended route, expected times of departure and arrival, and any other pertinent details they require for airspace management."
"Additionally," Captain Heath continued, "we need to perform a thorough pre-flight check. This isn't just a cursory glance over the aircraft but a detailed inspection to ensure everything is in top operating condition. We also need to confirm weather conditions along our route and at our destination, especially since tropical areas like Cebu can have rapidly changing weather patterns."
"And lastly," he added, "we must ensure that all customs and immigration requirements are met for every passenger aboard, even if it's just domestically. It involves a bit of paperwork and clearances that can't be skipped, particularly when using a private jet."
Michael listened intently, realizing the complexity of operating a private aircraft wasn't as simple as he had initially thought. "I see, that does sound like a lot of preparation is needed. How long does all of this usually take?"
"For a flight like the one to Cebu, assuming we start the paperwork and checks right now, we could potentially be ready to depart in about two to three hours," Captain Heath explained.
Michael nodded in understanding, then turned to Myra. "Looks like we won't be heading to Cebu just yet, Mom."