Landlord in the Arctic-Chapter 38: Airplane

Fairbanks International Airport, located in Alaska’s Polar Star Autonomous Region about three miles west of Fairbanks City, is a major transportation hub for the region.

The airport’s primary function is to provide resupply services for aircraft flying polar routes, making it critically important for many cargo airlines. It’s also home to sales centers for various aircraft companies and flight schools.

Alaska is vast and sparsely populated, making road construction difficult and expensive. To protect the natural environment, the government discourages building new roads. As a result, the only way for most people to travel is by piloting their own aircraft.

This has led to a high adoption rate of small aircraft in Alaska. One in every five people holds a pilot’s license, and the pilot prevalence rate is the highest in the world, reaching an astonishing 30%.

As their car drew closer to the Polar Star Autonomous Region, planes appeared in the sky with increasing frequency.

The car turned onto a wide street lined on both sides with aircraft sales centers. There was none of the city’s hustle and bustle, only the vast blue sky and endless wilderness serving as a backdrop.

The sales centers were simple, practical buildings. Their front lots were filled with various models of bush planes, and Feng Shan’s eyes were immediately drawn to their sleek lines and powerful forms.

Frank pulled into a public parking lot. Before the car had even come to a complete stop, several sharply dressed salesmen swarmed them, standing by the car with flyers in hand.

"Sir, welcome to Baofeng Aircraft Sales Center."

"I’ve got all kinds of models. Come take a look, they’re all brand new, direct from the source."

"Phil’s Father’s Aircraft Trading Center! Forty percent off for worry-free flying."

Frank pushed open his door and stepped out. "Fellas," he said to the throng of salesmen, "I already have an appointment. I suggest you go find some other sheep to fleece."

Hearing this, the salesmen immediately stopped their pitches and went their separate ways.

Feng Shan didn’t understand. ’Why shoo them away? Aren’t we here to buy a plane?’

Frank watched them leave and sneered.

"They specialize in buying up used planes, stripping them for parts, and then cobbling together ’new’ aircraft to sell. The price is cheap, but there’s no quality guarantee. You want to fly a plane that could fall out of the sky at any second?"

’Definitely not!’

’You might survive a car crash, but the chances of walking away from a plane crash are practically zero.’

Feng Shan immediately shook his head. "We’re buying new. Money is no object."

"There we go. Now that’s how a nouveau riche is supposed to talk." Frank was pleased with Feng Shan’s attitude toward spending. His gaze shifted past Feng Shan to the Indian man. "Is he coming with us?"

Feng Shan glanced back at Nash, who stood with the vigilant eyes of a dedicated bodyguard, and shook his head with a sigh.

"Let him stick with us for now."

"Having an Indian Headhunter with you will save you a lot of trouble." Frank nodded and turned toward a sales center. "Come on, my friend. Let’s go make those evil capitalists tremble with the power of the US Dollar!"

Cubcrafters Company.

A conspicuous billboard stood on the roof of the warehouse-style sales center.

[DO ANYTHING. GO ANYWHERE.]

Several demo models were parked in the lot. With their flat, wide wings, fighter-jet-like noses, and streamlined fuselages, they looked powerful and majestic. The tail-dragger landing gear, fitted with oversized tires, gave them an especially commanding presence.

Frank stood to one side, offering his opinions on the aircraft.

"My friend, the Super Cub made by Cubcrafters is the most common STOL aircraft in all of Alaska. The quality is absolutely guaranteed. I strongly recommend you choose this one."

"If you need to haul cargo or want more seats, the P-750 utility aircraft, made by Pacific Aerospace in New Zealand, is also a good option."

"The Maule M7 isn’t bad, but its design is way too dated. They haven’t updated it at all in years. They ought to airdrop the designer into the Brooks Range to feed the gray wolves."

"Cessna aircraft are definitely more comfortable, but unfortunately, they need a proper runway. The one at Crown Territory would be a problem, unless you’re willing to spend big bucks building a new, standard one."

By now, someone at the Cubcrafters sales center had noticed them checking out the demo models.

A tall, stunningly beautiful saleswoman emerged from the center and approached them with an elegant gait, her face instantly breaking into a professional smile.

Her eyes were bright and focused. She gave Feng Shan’s attire a quick look-over, but showed no disdain for his fur coat. Instead, she spoke in a sweet, clear voice.

"Welcome to Cubcrafters, sir. I’m here to assist you in any way I can."

With that, she turned to the side with a guiding gesture. The saleswoman led Feng Shan to a particularly cool-looking bush plane and began her detailed introduction.

"This CC18-180 Top Cub all-terrain aircraft is built with the most advanced aviation materials, which not only reduces the airframe’s weight but also greatly enhances its durability. The wing design is especially unique, allowing it to maintain a stable flight attitude even in complex air currents."

"It has virtually no runway requirements and can be fitted with a variety of accessories. It can take off and land in all of Alaska’s complex terrains—be it water, riverbanks, snowfields, swamps, or tundra. The Cub can do anything and go anywhere."

"This model has a fuel capacity of 68 gallons and can run on either automotive gasoline or 100LL avgas. It has an endurance of nine hours, a range of over 930 miles, and can carry a payload of over 1,300 pounds."

As the saleswoman spoke, she gently ran her fingers along the plane’s fuselage as if presenting a priceless work of art. Every so often, she would turn just so, the tailored suit accentuating her tall, sexy figure, her eyes carrying a subtle, suggestive hint.

Unfortunately for her, these superfluous gestures failed to capture Feng Shan’s attention. Frank, on the other hand, was getting eager. Perhaps it was the Witchcraft that had restored his masculine vigor, because seeing the saleswoman’s subtle flirtations, he knew ’she was the type you could ask out’.

With that thought, he shot the saleswoman a meaningful look and swaggered over to Feng Shan’s side, putting on an air of being the decision-maker.

"Buddy, go with the Cub. Trust me, you can’t go wrong. Tom’s beat-up old second-hand Cub is all the proof you need."

Feng Shan nodded and turned to the saleswoman. "When can I take delivery?"

’That fast?’

’I haven’t even gotten started, and he’s already finished.’

The saleswoman was taken aback. She’d expected this to take some convincing, maybe a few nights of back-and-forth before closing the deal. She never imagined a simple introduction would be enough. She hadn’t even had a chance to use her big closing move.

"Babe, my buddy here is nouveau riche, and he really values my advice." Frank sidled up to the saleswoman with a grin, pointing at Feng Shan. However, he did so with his middle and index fingers crossed.

That gesture.

The saleswoman’s eyes narrowed. A knowing smile touched the corners of her lips as she gave a very natural nod.

"I’ll take you to sign the contract."

"I need the plane as soon as possible." Feng Shan had seen all of Frank’s little antics, but it had nothing to do with him, so he stated his requirement directly.

"No problem. Cubcrafters has a local warehouse here in Alaska. You’ll be able to see your plane within five hours."

Smiling, the saleswoman sashayed to the entrance of the sales center, turning to push open the glass door for them.

...