Thank God for making me set out on an urgent assignment in Abuja on Friday 20 January, 2012, I would not have experienced the comfortable 50-minute jostle from Akure to Abuja by Associated Aviation limited.It was my first time flying in this small aircraft in Nigeria. To be honest, some of my friends who claimed to have flown in such a small aircraft told me frightening stories of 'strong wind' blowing it here and there in the sky.This created fear in me when I got to Akure Airport last Friady, only to be told that the only flight that day was the 30 seat Associated Airlines plane.Bowed by the fear planted into my heart, I decided to go back and latter called the organisers of the event in Abuja, explaining why I could not make it.As I was getting out of the booking office, I was accosted by a man ,who I latter found out to be the station manager for Associated Aviation limited, Mr Ameen Abimbola, who sensed my disappointment about the small aircraft and engaged me in a discussion.Sir, hope you are okay'I am not okayWhat is the problem'I have the intention of flying to Abuja, only to be told that the plane expected is a small one.Yes, it is a small plane. Is that why you are going back'Of course, Yes. I have to go back because have been told that small planes are not safe!Sir, that is complete mis-information. The only difference between a small plane and big plane is just the size and some few other things. Safety is in the hands of God Almighty and the expertise and conduct of the pilot plus the state of the aircraft and weather. This applies to all planes no matter the size. I urge you to join us ans we pray for journey mercies 'Are you telling me that it is safe for me to go with this small plane expected'Yes sir. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with small planes. They are even more cosy and compact, I assure you will enjoy the flight. Try it.With faith, I agreed.And the plane arrived and we boarded it. Very small and compact, but there was not a big difference other than the size. It is the same leg room as in the big planes. The same procedures on board.It taxied well and took off gently and smoothly, just like the big plane excerpt it did not make big noise like the big plane.Air-borne, I was expecting the 'wind to blow it here and there' but nothing of such ever happened, excerpt some moments of collision with the clouds as usual, which is even worse with the big planes.Menu was served as usual and I even dozed off for some minutes only to be rudely interrupted in my slumbering by the landing procedure announcement.I opened my eyes and looked through the window and took a better view of Abuja down, the perimeter fencing of the adjoining compounds and companies along the airport.The small plane descended slowly and smoothly and landed safely. Nothing untoward happened. The flight was cool and enjoyable.By the time I got out of the plane, I heaved a sigh of relief, not of tension but of banishing the fear created in my mind by my friends over smaller planes. As I was picked up at the airport en route the venue of the assignment, my mind prayed for Mr Abimbola, who persuaded me to experience the flight by a small plane which enabled me to make the trip to Abuja that day.And for the Airlines, Associated Aviation Limited is it!
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