So sorry to hear this, Dave. I’ve enjoyed your contributions here. Enjoy the time you have left with your family to the fullest, but never give up. Give it hell!
As others have said, it’s almost immediate these days. Things have changed since back when the Captain would be out in the King Air with the passengers loaded and the right engine running, while I was calling for a void time clearance from Flight Service on the pay phone. :)
I saw her there on Thursday. Tell her thank you to her and all of her colleagues. So glad that folks are willing to make the effort to keep these pieces of history alive.
My wife and I went up Thursday morning. Unfortunately, there was only one seat up front left, which my wife graciously let me take, but she said the ride in the back was amazing as well. Truly an incredible experience.