The pay for an intern is the fringe benefit of being able to occasionally join the cockpit crew on a commercial flight to a far away destination. Jump seat, first class, or tucked in the rear with the passengers the thrill of being airborne is a A320 or 757 is a fulfillment of his vision. This is the real world of checklists, verifications, and powerful thrusts rocketing masses of metal into the airways.

Once in the clouds and the pace slowly settles into the routine until the final approach at the destination.