(Supposedly a true story – then again, arent they all?)

This Certified Flight Instructor and his Student are holding on the runway for
departing cross traffic when suddenly a deer runs out of the nearby woods, stops
in the middle of the runway, and just stands there looking at them.

Tower: Cessna XXX cleared for take-off.

Std: What should I do? What should I do?

Inst: What do you think you should do?

(Think-think-think.)

Std: Maybe if I taxi toward him itll scare him away.

Inst: Thats a good idea.

(Taxis toward deer, but deer is macho, and holds position.)

Tower: Cessna XXX cleared for take-off, runway NN.

Std: What should I do? What should I do?

Inst: What do you think you should do?

(Think-think-think.)

Std: Maybe I should tell the tower.

Inst: Thats a good idea.

Std: Cessna XXX, uh, theres a deer down here on the runway.

(Long pause.)

Tower: Roger XXX, hold your position. Deer on runway NN cleared for immediate
departure.

(Two seconds, and then – I presume by coincidence – the deer bolts from the
runway, and runs back into the woods.)

Tower: Cessna XXX cleared for departure, runway NN. Caution wake turbulence,
departing deer.

It had to be tough keeping that Cessna rolling straight for take-off.