Max rolled his bike about fifteen feet down the street, until the rope they’d strung between the flyer and the bike was taut. Then he walked back. “I think we’re ready to begin. Gentlemen, please take your seats.” Brian and Alex sat down in the pilot and copilot chairs. Max nodded to Brian. “You are familiar with the controls.” He pointed at a red lever that had been installed to the left of the yoke. “This is new. Pulling that disengages the tow rope.” “Good to know,” said Brian. Max walked around toward the back of the aircraft. “Alex, once again, you’ll be in charge of the brakes. Remember, it’s important that you push both levers down at the same time and keep them pushed down until they lock.” He returned to Brian’s side and looked down the street. “I’m still not entirely confident about this.” Brian gave him a light punch to the shoulder. “Max, you said Blackbird doesn’t have enough power to get up to takeoff speed on a level runway.
