He knew the tower contoller personally, and one night he called him up on approach and said, "Charlie, this is N_____. Clear the field, I'm coming in on one engine."
On final approach, the tower said, "Damn you Clarence, you've only got one engine!".
I used to own a Cessna 120. I flew out of an airport that had a part time (week-end) tower staffed by the National Guard. I used to ask to land in the grass short of the runway. They would always clear me but add that it was at my own risk. I always wanted to, but never did, ask "if I land on the asphalt is it at someone else's risk?"
These days, we're not allowed to fool around like that.
9/11 changed everything with General Aviation. We need to be a lot more serious... but... to tell you the truth - it's still wonderful!!!
Dasher