We had only just moved in to the penthouse apartment, and hadn’t yet had time to try out its most luxurious feature. We had spent the day unpacking boxes, deciding on furniture placement, choosing paint samples for certain walls, and generally preparing the love nest. By the time we had eaten some takeout, sitting cross legged on the bare floor of our new home, we were too exhausted to work anymore. You leaned back on you...

The day started out like any other. I got my flight briefing the night before and fuel calculations with winds and weather aloft as well as any catering requirements specific to the flight. From Van Nuys to Seattle was about 2-1/2 hours of flight time. Two female passengers are listed on the manifest. Catering was for champagne, fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate. Given the short distance and the fact that i...