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TheVTCGuy · 9 October 2015, 06:06 AM

So... here is the scene... actually, before I begin let me tell you (as some of you already know) I was a US Navy Pilot for 12 years. I served in Desert Storm. Now, my life has not been perfect, and there are things I am ashamed of, well, I have made mistakes... but something that I AM proud of is my service to my country. I am not better then anyone else, but I flew combat missions, lost a friend, was there when my country called; and I am proud of that. Ok, back to the scene.

It was about 10:00 PM in an airport last night, I am returning home from a long business trip. I am tired and grouchy (hell, my usual state anyway) and I spot a guy sitting in the lounge wearing a YG GMT. Looking forward to a possible conversation with a fellow WIS I compliment him on it, ask him how he likes it, and those were the last words I was able to speak. He went on:

Excellent, the GMT hand tells you something called Greenwhich Mean Time, you see I am a PILOT, I fly a Cessna 172. IF YOU WERE A PILOT you would understand that all flight planning is done on something called GMT, so the flight controllers are on the same time zone. If you ever get to talk with another PILOT he will tell you the same thing. I have over 200 hours in the CESSNA 172, am working on my Instrument Rating, if you were a PILOT like me you would know that was flying IFR, or Instrument Flight Rules, when you can't see enough for VFR, or Visual flight rules..... etc.... etc.... etc....

The guy went on and on and I literally could not get a word in. I think recreational aviation is great, and him flying a Cessna around... more power to him, but he kept talking DOWN to me. He must have said 20 times: "If you were a PILOT LIKE ME YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND.... " I seriously.... could not even say a word to tell him I was, he was SO full of himself he just kept talking.

Finally, I couldn't take it anymore, I stood up, looked down at him and almost shouted: "Lieutenant Paul Dragos, 67 combat missions flown over Iraq during Desert Storm, how many combat hours do you have Mr. Cessna 172 PILOT!?" And stormed away.... It was loud enough to cause a scene in the lounge and I had to walk out to cool down.

Hey, to those of you that fly Cessna, Piper, or a kite, I mean absolutely NO disrespect at all.

I wish you all the best and enjoy the aviation experience

It's just this guy was SO FULL OF HIMSELF.... talking down to me like I was an idiot... I guess... I don't know... Maybe I shouldn't have blown up like that...

sco · 9 October 2015, 06:14 AM

Some people are jerks

Thank you for your service...

cop414 · 9 October 2015, 06:18 AM

They're out there Paul, people who are so full of themselves that they're going to burst. I would have loved to have seen this, I would have probably stood up and saluted you then applauded.
The only thing I'd have done different was to not walk away just to see what he said next.
Thank you for your service.

Dr. Robert · 9 October 2015, 06:21 AM

Like the Doors sang: " people are strange"

Tri-Tip · 9 October 2015, 06:29 AM

What an ass. Good job putting him in his place.

GerardoG · 9 October 2015, 07:28 AM

Paul: Well done! Maybe he had just bought his Cessna!!! No matter what, I wish I have been there to see the scene!!!!

Side note: Yup, you are grouchy

TheBluePrince · 9 October 2015, 07:35 AM

People are often at their worst in airports for all the obvious reasons.....absolute worst place to approach anyone for anything in my experience.

Tri-Tip · 9 October 2015, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerardoG

Paul: Well done! Maybe he had just bought his Cessna!!! No matter what, I wish I have been there to see the scene!!!!

Side note: Yup, you are grouchy

Should have started twitching and say that you used to shoot down Cessna's just for fun.

artschool · 9 October 2015, 07:37 AM

maybe he had 68 combat missions?

..............simulated

mtrunner · 9 October 2015, 07:37 AM

Sounds like he was a complete tool with no social skills and way too full of himself. If nothing else maybe your encounter will possibly make him change his tone with others down the road.

GerardoG · 9 October 2015, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tri-Tip

Should have started twitching and say that you used to shoot down Cessna's just for fun.

AK797 · 9 October 2015, 07:45 AM

It sounds like he's been waiting for months to talk about his watch and Cessna and when you opened the door slightly he Jehovah's Witnessed your ass!

Pix · 9 October 2015, 08:18 AM

Great response! What does GMT mean:)

brandrea · 9 October 2015, 08:26 AM

It's really sad that more people don't have a little self awareness.
At least you left before it got really ugly

RHIII · 9 October 2015, 08:31 AM

Sheesh. Some people.

Like was said already...they DEFINITELY are out there

beer · 9 October 2015, 09:10 AM

well there is a joke here in the uk but i have found it to be completely true

"how can you tell if there is a pilot in the room?"

"he will tell you"

tfly212 · 9 October 2015, 09:20 AM

If it makes you feel any better he probably felt like a complete ass upon reflection...or at least he should have

Mr Daytona · 9 October 2015, 09:22 AM

When he eventually shut the hell up, I would of told him I was a fighter pilot so YES, I DO know what that extra hand does. I would of done it calm, cool and collective just so he would feel like the assclown he is.

theloxmyth · 9 October 2015, 09:32 AM

Dorkelhead Tosser!

davor · 9 October 2015, 09:47 AM

I would say you could have handled it calmer, but you said also you were "grouchy" at the time! I think you could have gotten more satisfaction of argumenting the same sentace but in a calmer manner and then watching his responce (as someone already said), then again it all depends what kind of person you are!
Myself, I would probablly do as you did!hehe

Oh I am 29, never been in the service-so old and grouchy does not hold water in my opinion!

crew · 9 October 2015, 10:09 AM

Interesting story. What a tool.
I find it ironic that this guy flys a Cessna and, apparently because he's a pilot (and you're not), finds he needs a YG GMT. My lowly stainless GMT probably wouldn't cut it for him. But, then again, I'm not a pilot.
Thanks for serving our country Paul.

TheVTCGuy · 9 October 2015, 10:26 AM

Thanks everyone

East Bay Rider · 9 October 2015, 10:44 AM

Haha great story.
YG GMT... I wonder if he's a member here.
Truthfully I'm amazed you held your composure for so long. I have low tolerance for those who try so hard to appear superior.
At the end of the game the king and pawn go into the same box.

landroverking · 9 October 2015, 11:32 AM

Pilot. Definition. Big mouth. Big watch. Looking for a place to cash a check.
Got that from flight school around 1984.

handsfull · 9 October 2015, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beer

well there is a joke here in the uk but i have found it to be completely true

"how can you tell if there is a pilot in the room?"

"he will tell you"

hdrazor251 · 9 October 2015, 12:13 PM

That must have been hilarious to see.

Old Expat Beast · 9 October 2015, 12:21 PM

And the moral of the story is: never compliment a stranger on their Rolex. Especially in a confined area.

Porsche · 9 October 2015, 12:25 PM

Hey Paul

bummer experience, when you were just looking for some light-hearted chat with a possible fellow WIS.

Unfortunately, Rolex AD's sometimes allows even d%&k-heads to buy their watches... they should have some kind of screening process... maybe a form we all should fill out?

Question 1: Are you a d%&k-head?
Circle the correct answer: YES / NO

droptopman · 9 October 2015, 12:33 PM

Thank you for your service.
Hard to find a real WIS in the wild.

Abdullah71601 · 9 October 2015, 12:47 PM

You should never be insulted by an idiot douchebag. It raises your blood pressure, not his. You walk away with a worsened day, and he rambles off into oblivion, impervious to a reasoned argument.

Arguing with an idiot is like mud wrestling with a pig. You'll both get dirty, but the pig loves it.

9 October 2015, 06:06 AM	#1
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,539	Should I have been insulted or am I just old and grouchy? So... here is the scene... actually, before I begin let me tell you (as some of you already know) I was a US Navy Pilot for 12 years. I served in Desert Storm. Now, my life has not been perfect, and there are things I am ashamed of, well, I have made mistakes... but something that I AM proud of is my service to my country. I am not better then anyone else, but I flew combat missions, lost a friend, was there when my country called; and I am proud of that. Ok, back to the scene. It was about 10:00 PM in an airport last night, I am returning home from a long business trip. I am tired and grouchy (hell, my usual state anyway) and I spot a guy sitting in the lounge wearing a YG GMT. Looking forward to a possible conversation with a fellow WIS I compliment him on it, ask him how he likes it, and those were the last words I was able to speak. He went on: Excellent, the GMT hand tells you something called Greenwhich Mean Time, you see I am a PILOT, I fly a Cessna 172. IF YOU WERE A PILOT you would understand that all flight planning is done on something called GMT, so the flight controllers are on the same time zone. If you ever get to talk with another PILOT he will tell you the same thing. I have over 200 hours in the CESSNA 172, am working on my Instrument Rating, if you were a PILOT like me you would know that was flying IFR, or Instrument Flight Rules, when you can't see enough for VFR, or Visual flight rules..... etc.... etc.... etc.... The guy went on and on and I literally could not get a word in. I think recreational aviation is great, and him flying a Cessna around... more power to him, but he kept talking DOWN to me. He must have said 20 times: "If you were a PILOT LIKE ME YOU WOULD UNDERSTAND.... " I seriously.... could not even say a word to tell him I was, he was SO full of himself he just kept talking. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore, I stood up, looked down at him and almost shouted: "Lieutenant Paul Dragos, 67 combat missions flown over Iraq during Desert Storm, how many combat hours do you have Mr. Cessna 172 PILOT!?" And stormed away.... It was loud enough to cause a scene in the lounge and I had to walk out to cool down. Hey, to those of you that fly Cessna, Piper, or a kite, I mean absolutely NO disrespect at all. I wish you all the best and enjoy the aviation experience It's just this guy was SO FULL OF HIMSELF.... talking down to me like I was an idiot... I guess... I don't know... Maybe I shouldn't have blown up like that...

9 October 2015, 06:18 AM	#3
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,721	They're out there Paul, people who are so full of themselves that they're going to burst. I would have loved to have seen this, I would have probably stood up and saluted you then applauded. The only thing I'd have done different was to not walk away just to see what he said next. Thank you for your service. __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

9 October 2015, 06:21 AM	#4
Dr. Robert "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 65,344	Like the Doors sang: " people are strange" __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

9 October 2015, 09:10 AM	#16
beer "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Watch Dealer atm! Watch: all Posts: 2,800	well there is a joke here in the uk but i have found it to be completely true "how can you tell if there is a pilot in the room?" "he will tell you" __________________

9 October 2015, 09:32 AM	#19
theloxmyth 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY Posts: 6,382	Dorkelhead Tosser! __________________ Craig, The (I'm JUST a) Loxmyth. If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith. — Albert Einstein (1879-1955) TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION IS ENABLED.

9 October 2015, 06:14 AM	#2
sco "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Chicago Watch: Subc AT 8500 CSO Posts: 3,646	Some people are jerks Thank you for your service...

9 October 2015, 06:29 AM	#5
Tri-Tip "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA, USA Watch: Out!!! Posts: 6,490	What an ass. Good job putting him in his place.

9 October 2015, 07:28 AM	#6
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	Paul: Well done! Maybe he had just bought his Cessna!!! No matter what, I wish I have been there to see the scene!!!! Side note: Yup, you are grouchy

9 October 2015, 07:35 AM	#7
TheBluePrince "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: London Posts: 2,081	People are often at their worst in airports for all the obvious reasons.....absolute worst place to approach anyone for anything in my experience.

9 October 2015, 07:37 AM	#9
artschool "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: uk Posts: 1,216	maybe he had 68 combat missions? ..............simulated

9 October 2015, 07:37 AM	#10
mtrunner "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Gary Location: Bozeman, MT Watch: 126508 Paul Newman Posts: 7,836	Sounds like he was a complete tool with no social skills and way too full of himself. If nothing else maybe your encounter will possibly make him change his tone with others down the road.

9 October 2015, 07:45 AM	#12
AK797 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Neil Location: UK Watch: ing ships roll in Posts: 59,369	It sounds like he's been waiting for months to talk about his watch and Cessna and when you opened the door slightly he Jehovah's Witnessed your ass!

9 October 2015, 08:18 AM	#13
Pix "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: midwest Watch: SS Datejust Posts: 1,289	Great response! What does GMT mean:)

9 October 2015, 08:26 AM	#14
brandrea 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 79,390	It's really sad that more people don't have a little self awareness. At least you left before it got really ugly

9 October 2015, 08:31 AM	#15
RHIII Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Real Name: Roger Location: ... Watch: AP/Rolex/PP Posts: 6,309	Sheesh. Some people. Like was said already...they DEFINITELY are out there

9 October 2015, 09:20 AM	#17
tfly212 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Real Name: Terry Location: New York City Watch: Daytona or BLNR Posts: 491	If it makes you feel any better he probably felt like a complete ass upon reflection...or at least he should have

9 October 2015, 09:22 AM	#18
Mr Daytona "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Mr. Daytona Location: On the water Watch: Panerai Posts: 974	When he eventually shut the hell up, I would of told him I was a fighter pilot so YES, I DO know what that extra hand does. I would of done it calm, cool and collective just so he would feel like the assclown he is.

9 October 2015, 09:47 AM	#20
davor "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: davor Location: croatia Posts: 669	I would say you could have handled it calmer, but you said also you were "grouchy" at the time! I think you could have gotten more satisfaction of argumenting the same sentace but in a calmer manner and then watching his responce (as someone already said), then again it all depends what kind of person you are! Myself, I would probablly do as you did!hehe Oh I am 29, never been in the service-so old and grouchy does not hold water in my opinion! __________________ You learn to love, not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

9 October 2015, 10:09 AM	#21
crew "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: John Location: Rochester/Naples Watch: Pepsi Posts: 18,307	Interesting story. What a tool. I find it ironic that this guy flys a Cessna and, apparently because he's a pilot (and you're not), finds he needs a YG GMT. My lowly stainless GMT probably wouldn't cut it for him. But, then again, I'm not a pilot. Thanks for serving our country Paul.

9 October 2015, 10:26 AM	#22
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,539	Thanks everyone

9 October 2015, 10:44 AM	#23
East Bay Rider "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Bill Location: East Bay RI Watch: GMT-II 16710LN Posts: 12,102	Haha great story. YG GMT... I wonder if he's a member here. Truthfully I'm amazed you held your composure for so long. I have low tolerance for those who try so hard to appear superior. At the end of the game the king and pawn go into the same box. __________________ I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man Floating down canal It doesn't use numbers or moving hands It always just says "now" Now you may be thinking that I was had But this watch is never wrong And if I have trouble the warranty said Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On J. Buffett Instagram: eastbayrider46

9 October 2015, 11:32 AM	#24
landroverking "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Jay Location: TEXAS Watch: Daytona Posts: 7,648	Pilot. Definition. Big mouth. Big watch. Looking for a place to cash a check. Got that from flight school around 1984.

9 October 2015, 12:13 PM	#26
hdrazor251 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Real Name: Jeff Location: Arizona Watch: is recovered!! Posts: 4,255	That must have been hilarious to see. __________________ 16753 GMT Master, 16613 Bluesy, 16710 GMT Master II, 16570 Polar Explorer II-Stolen & Recovered!! Card Carrying Member of the Global Assoc. of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

9 October 2015, 12:21 PM	#27
Old Expat Beast TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Adam Location: Far East Watch: Golden Tuna Posts: 28,893	And the moral of the story is: never compliment a stranger on their Rolex. Especially in a confined area.

9 October 2015, 12:25 PM	#28
Porsche 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: John Location: ɹǝpun Watch: and learn Posts: 2,986	Hey Paul bummer experience, when you were just looking for some light-hearted chat with a possible fellow WIS. Unfortunately, Rolex AD's sometimes allows even d%&k-heads to buy their watches... they should have some kind of screening process... maybe a form we all should fill out? Question 1: Are you a d%&k-head? Circle the correct answer: YES / NO __________________ Obey Gravity, it's the Law! ROLEX --- SEIKO --- HEUER TRF REHAUT T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M T H E R O L E X F O R U M

9 October 2015, 12:33 PM	#29
droptopman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Real Name: Mark Location: Washington State Watch: SUBS and GMT's! Posts: 9,663	Thank you for your service. Hard to find a real WIS in the wild. __________________ Judge Smails: Ty, what did you shoot today? Ty: Oh, Judge, I don't keep score. Judge Smails: Then how do you measure yourself with other golfers? Ty: By height.

9 October 2015, 12:47 PM	#30
Abdullah71601 Banned Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Calumet Harbor Watch: ing da Bears Posts: 13,565	You should never be insulted by an idiot douchebag. It raises your blood pressure, not his. You walk away with a worsened day, and he rambles off into oblivion, impervious to a reasoned argument. Arguing with an idiot is like mud wrestling with a pig. You'll both get dirty, but the pig loves it.

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