His request approved, the CNN videographer quickly used his cell phone to call the local airport to charter a flight.

He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.

Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger.

He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, "Let's go."

The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off.

Once in the air, the videographer instructed the pilot, "Fly over the valley and make low passes so I can take shots of the fires on the hillsides."

"Why?" asked the pilot.

"Because I'm a videographer for CNN and I need to get some close up shots."

The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, and then he stammered, "So, what you're telling me is ... you're not my flight instructor?"