I checked the wing tanks, and they're a bit low. While waiting for the fuel truck, I finished the rest of my pre-flight checklist, tapping through each item on the paper with a finger to double-check and make sure I haven't missed anything. I can hear the truck's diesel motor starting up in the distance, but it's at the far end of the field, so I've got a few moments yet.

I smell the V12's oil on my fingers, and the vapor of low-lead avgas in the air. My gear is already in the cockpit behind me, and my jacket is just the right feel against the crisp morning air. Soon the wings will be heavy with liquid power, and that huge prop will start cranking to get me on my way.

Truck's almost here. Time to get a move on.

This astonishing piece is by painted by Nomax.