Our Leader has pronounced that the story of this flight should be told.

I was working for several days in some Californian factories and at this stage with a guy who owned not only his factory but also his aeroplane.
I was in touch with another old friend, also in Los Angeles but a long way from Van Nuys.
I mentioned to my work host that he was included in a dinner invitation and he asked where we would be going.
I replied that Yorba Linda was the place and after checking maps etc., said, in effect: ”there is no way
I will drive that far and back………” then…..” Fullerton looks the closest, we’ll fly there and you can organise the rest.”
This all happened,
I was assured that flying North-South over LAX was very safe as all airport traffic was East-West and so it proved, a very pleasant dusk flight.
On arrival I called my old buddy who arrived in a huge 2 door Cadillac (I think) and when I asked how
he had it, was told he had a Golden Parachute exit as CEO of a company in LA but he had to purchase the car.
I asked how much and he replied “a buck!!” to which I silently counted out 4 quarters and invited him to keep the change as I was covering his purchase.
A lively evening followed with other guests in party mode.
When we were to land at Van Nuys airport the runway lights normally switched on by pilots did not turn on and this led to a consummate night landing.
I learnt later that my pilot was licensed to teach flying.

Note: Our Leader has commented that such a flight (over LAX airport) may not be possible today and this could well be so as terrorism has led to many limitations.
And I won't tell the golf putter story.