Flight To Success

Mike Coe

2012-02-10T00:01:00.000-08:00

Friday Fabulous Flyer

Captain Mike Coe

"I can easily recall the taste of my dream as a young boy to become an airline pilot and the many 'missed approaches' in my 'Flight to Success.'” Mike Coe

Mike is a graduate of Auburn University (B.A. '76 in Aviation Management) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (M.S. Aeronautical Science '84), and served six years as an Air Force pilot (USAF HH-53 pilot/instructor pilot.) Five years as a corporate pilot~ Flight department manager and pilot for a regional hospital management company with a fleet of eight and ten pilots. He spent 21 years as a commercial airline pilot for American Airlines flying the F-100, B727, B737, B757, B767, MD11, and retired from American Airlines as a 757/767 captain.

He’s an author too!

His first novel, “Flight to Paradise: was released May 2010; his second novel “Flight into Darkness” (a sequel) was released November 2011; his third novel in the Flight Trilogy, “Flight to Freedom” is scheduled to be released in 2012.

Mike has graciously offered to give away to one of our readers one of his books. Just leave a comment and you’ll be entered for the drawing. The winner will be announced on Valentines Day, February 14th. What a better day for a gift from the heart. After you read his interview, you’ll agree—Mike Coe is a man with a heart.

His struggles, challenges, and continued successes, speak volumes for what a person can do when they don’t give up, have a lot of faith, a solid relationship and good friends to encourage them along the way. Mike’s an experienced pilot in so many ways, and reached his dream of becoming an Airline Pilot for American Airlines. But that success doesn’t end there. He’s doing something so many of us only dreamed about. Please enjoy the journey with Mike Coe~ It’s a heck of a ride.

Karlene: Mike, I love to discover when and how pilots became interested in airplanes. Did someone or something inspire you?

Mike: "I first recall becoming obsessed with airplanes at the age of five (1959) when my grandparents began taking me to our local country airport on Sunday afternoons to watch Eastern Airlines and Southern Airways DC-3s and Martin 404’s land, taxi up to our little shack-like terminal building, deplane and load passengers, fire up the smoky radial engines, taxi out and take off. There was something magical about standing at the fence (previously used to keep cows in) watching the relatively quick operation (less than 30 minutes). I was twelve years old (July 31, 1967) when Southern Airways retired their fleet of DC-3s with the last flight being from our little country airport (Dothan, Alabama) to Memphis, TN.

A year later (1968), I took my first roundtrip airplane ride in a Southern Airways Martin 404 from Dothan to Atlanta. Seated in a window seat on the left side of the cabin adjacent to the wing’s leading edge, I had the perfect seat to study the big 18-cylinder Pratt & Whitney 2,000 hp radial engine. I was hooked."

Karlene: I often wonder at the power of that first observation as a little boy with airplanes. I can see you standing at the fence looking in. I took my grandson to Boeing field during an air show, and at 15-months old he hung on the fence and stared in awe. Powerful experience. So you’re hooked. From 12 to pilot, how did that happen?

Mike: "My 19-year pursuit to earn my living as an airline pilot was a bumpy “flight” filled with deviations, near misses, and plenty of emotional ups and downs. With the relatively few numbers of available airline jobs (approximately 2% of the U.S. population are pilots, but only 10% of pilots are employed by airlines) and daunting competition for each job, my pursuit often appeared hopeless.

First, I obtained all the necessary licenses and ratings as quickly as possible, but building time—good quality time—was difficult. I rode shotgun on countless numbers of oddball trips for the chance to log a few minutes; I flight instructed; I served as a helicopter-only pilot in the Air Force; I flew corporate—all good but not good enough to land an airline job during the severe economic recession that hit much of the developed world in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. The effects of deregulation in 1978 had ushered in a turbulent period for commercial aviation."

Karlene: You were a military helicopter pilot? Amazing experience. You had quite the resume. But we know that timing is everything in this career. Despite your vast experience, I’m sure those doors weren’t opening rapidly. What happened?

Mike: "After 16 years, 5,000 hours of flying time (civilian, military, corporate), and practically every possible license and rating (except glider and lighter-than-air), I was 32 years old (1986). I had grown weary and determined that my dream of becoming an airline pilot had slipped away (very few airlines were interested in hiring pilots over the age of 30 unless they had a logbook full of jet time). With a wife and two young children, my focus had shifted from chasing the uncertainties of an airline career to the growing demands of my family."

"I had given up completely on the airlines and was planning out a new career when an old Air Force buddy called (late 1986). He had recently been hired by American Airlines. In 1984 American implemented a B-scale pay plan for new hire pilots and planned to become the largest airline in the world. My friend encouraged me to give the airlines one more try."

Karlene: That’s what friends are for—to support and encourage. I think there is encouragement and messages all around, if we’re willing to listen. It appears you took your friend’s advice.

Mike: "If it had not been for my friend (and many others along the way) reaching out to help me, I might never have given it “one more try”. I am constantly reminded that everyone who achieves much success does it with the help of others. The world-class motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, put it this way: “If you help enough people get what they want, you’ll get what you want.”

Karlene: I love that statement. I too have had a wealth of support along my journey. So when did you actually get hired at American?

Mike: "I joined American Airlines in November 1987 (33 years old) and retired in December 2008 (54 years old). Looking back, I am forever humble to have been given the opportunity to enjoy the greatest career ever and blessed with a wife who has been my greatest encourager during the entire journey."

Karlene: You worked hard for the opportunity, and you took it. Your motivation and inner strength amazes me. Where does this come from?

Mike: "From my first flying lesson in a Cessna 150 on November 30, 1970 (16 years old), to my checkout as a Captain for American Airlines on May 11, 2000 (46 years old), there is one quote that best sums up the motivation for my persistent journey."

“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

Karlene: I love that quote, and your inspirational attitude toward life is woven into your words. Do you have a most inspirational flight?

Mike: "It was in 1988 and I was based at DCA with American Airlines. We were in the last few minutes of boarding passengers in El Paso for a trip to Chicago when the flight attendant came to the cockpit and mentioned that there was a first-class passenger with whom she was having difficulty communicating. She said the passenger was deaf.

A little background: My wife graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with a specialty in Deaf Education. After moving to Virginia (DCA) with American Airlines, I began learning Sign Language. After becoming fairly proficient, I joined my wife and volunteered to work with the deaf in our local church. In addition, while on my trips with American, I was always sensitive to passengers who were deaf and found many opportunities to interpret for a gate agent or flight attendant.

On this particular flight, I offered my help to the flight attendant. She said that would be nice as she was not certain of the man’s drink request. I excused myself from the cockpit to go visit with the deaf passenger. After a few minutes of introduction, the man signed to me, “Where did you learn Sign Language?” I explained how I had learned through a class in my local church. He signed, “No. What book did you use to learn?” I stumbled trying to remember the exact title of the book and tried to explain what it looked like. He signed, “Did it have a white cover?” I signed, “Yes!” He signed, “I wrote that book.” I signed, “Then that makes you my teacher. How exciting to meet you.”

The man’s name was Terrence J. O’Rourke and the book was the best selling A Basic Course in American Sign Language. T.J. O’Rourke graduated from California School for the Deaf, Berkeley, and Gallaudet College (where he later taught English for eight years). He was author of two of the nation’s all time best-selling sign language texts; national director of the National Association of the Deaf Communication Skills Program, president of the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities; and founded T.J. Publishers for the purpose of publishing deaf-related books. It was in January 1992 when I learned of Mr. O’Rourke’s passing.

As one of my mentor’s, meeting Mr. O’Rourke was an inspirational and encouraging moment. I continued my work with the deaf to include teaching classes to the deaf in my church, interpreting, and conducting mini Sign Language courses for flight attendants and pilots at American Airlines.

In my second novel, “Flight into Darkness”, one of my characters is deaf and will be a key character in the final book of the Flight Trilogy, “Flight to Freedom.”

Karlene: Wow. What are the chances that that man was on your flight? An amazing story—definitely on top of anyone’s inspirational list. I’m sorry for your loss of such a mentor, but he carries on in your work. I’m curious as to your greatest life challenge.

Mike: "By late 1986 (prior to being hired by American Airlines), I had accumulated debts totaling nearly $700,000 (personal and business). Through a series of circumstances and a lot of prayer, it became clear that we needed to get out of debt. After learning of Christian Financial Concepts, a nonprofit organization started by Larry Burkett dedicated to teaching the biblical principles of handling money, we surrendered our financial lives to God, set up a budget and began our journey towards financial freedom. By 1996, we were totally debt free (including our mortgage).

In 1996, I founded the non-profit teaching ministry, Christian Oriented Education, Inc. Through the trials and experiences of our lives we are better equipped to help others as they walk through their dark time. Again, as Zig Ziglar said, “If you help enough people get what they want, you’ll get what you want.”

Karlene: From rags to riches, you’ve mastered success. But it wasn’t easy, and many steps along the way you could have given up, and you didn’t. That speaks volumes. What was one of your greatest moments in your career?

Mike: "While living in Nashville (based at BNA with American Airlines), I was fortunate to have been mentored by Dave Ramsey (best selling financial author, talk show host of The Dave Ramsey Show aired on the Fox Business Network). From 1993 to 1997, I worked as a part-time counselor and seminar instructor for Ramsey’s company, The Lampo Group, Inc.

I recently published the first of a three part series on personal finance titled: Solving the Money Puzzle. Part 1 is available as an e-book from Amazon and other online book retailers for .99. Once I complete the entire series, I plan to combine the three parts into a paperback. My website, FINANCIAL FREEDOM, offers free education and budgeting tools for anyone interested in personal finance."

Karlene: That’s a great offer to get free education on budgeting. I’m sure in today’s world we can all use a little help. Now tell me about your writing. As you know I just wrote my first Flight novel. What inspired you to write fiction?

Mike: "Pilots are typically logical, sequential, rational thinkers—“left-brained”, while artists are typically random, intuitive, creative thinkers—“right-brained”. Although broad generalizations are often made in popular psychology about a person being predominately left-brained (logical) or right-brained (creative) these characteristics in fact exist in both sides of the brain.

I believe my desire to write was born from my love for stories—stories being the essence of life’s deepest desires and experiences. I am particularly interested in stories about the human experience—the struggle to find satisfaction in life. I believe fiction presents the perfect platform for the transfer of these experiences. The fictional stories I write are derived from the real world—where we all live—stories about the world as it is, strange and real, yet full of grace.

The material for stories is found all around us. As one author said, “I find my greatest ideas for stories when I ask, what would happen if...?” During my twenty-one years with the airlines, I observed and listened to the life stories of many pilots and flight attendants. Many of these stories inspired me to write the Flight Trilogy.

As individuals, we are unique works of art, but within our human experiences—successes, failures, and heartaches—we are connected by a common thread. It is my goal that each story I write entertain, evoke emotion, and leave my readers with a message of hope for a better tomorrow—stories for the head, heart, and soul."

Karlene: Mike, your words on this page speak volumes of your eloquence with the craft. Thank you for the wonderful interview.

Now for the readers—I read the first of Mike’s stories. Flight to Paradise. Well, I almost finished it. My last fatigue-induced flight, with a 0130 wake up followed by a flight to Haneda, Japan, I was snuggled into the bathtub enjoying his story. Then, after a quick seven-hour nap and a 6 p.m. wake up call for a midnight departure, It wasn’t until I was on the bus headed to the airport that I’d realized I left it in the bathroom. My loss is someone else’s gift.

I did find the concept of Mike’s book fascinating because of the subject and the man behind the writing. At first glance, one might think that this tough male-military pilot would write about death and violence. And the mother/grandma, who is a romantic at heart who bakes cookies, would write romance—our first two books are just the opposite. Don’t be mistaken, this book is for all those who love the journey of life, intertwined with the desire to live the passion of aviation.

As I said, Mike is giving away one of his books… so let me tell you a little bit about them.

Flight To Paradise

Eighteen year old Keri Hart’s life was turned upside down when her Southern high society mother insisted, “Now Sugah, I think it would be best if you ended it with Ryan Mitchell…” only days before his leaving Atlanta to attend the United States Naval Academy.

Fast-forward nine years, Keri is a Miami-based flight attendant; Ryan is a Navy fighter pilot based near San Diego and soon to be airline pilot. In hopes of reviving a love once lost, Ryan writes to Keri. Before the letter is posted, Rex Dean, Ryan’s laid-back, self-absorbed roommate, intercepts and alters the letter—the beginning of a deviously concocted plan that blindsides the hometown hopefuls, thrusting them into rebound relationships.

With Ryan’s marriage a train wreck and Keri engaged—her wedding only weeks away—fate arranges a coincidental New York layover. A morning stroll through Central Park awakens their undeniable love for each other, forcing them to question everything they thought they knew.

Flight To Darkness

Fifteen years have passed. It’s July 11, 2002. Ryan Mitchell is living in Southern California with his wife, teenage son, and five-year old daughter when he is thrust into his deepest, darkest hour—a nightmare of gargantuan proportions.

Samael Janus, a delusional lunatic, travels from Istanbul, Turkey, to Southern California on a personal mission of revenge. All that stands between Samael and the success of his twisted plan is Captain Ryan Mitchell’s willingness to sacrifice his life in exchange for the lives of his wife and children. As Samael puts it, “If you do exactly as I instruct, your family will remain safe. Otherwise, they will all die, starting with your youngest child.”

Flight into Darkness Is a story of struggle between fear and faith—evil and good—and how love can empower the human spirit with divine strength. A flight filled with suspense and surprise that promises to thrill. Welcome aboard and buckle up as Captain Mitchell takes off into turbulent skies asking readers to “please, remain in your seats with your seatbelts fastened”, have faith, and pray.

Mike Coe, born and raised in Dothan, Alabama, currently resides in Southern California with his “wonderful” wife, Sue Marie. These two high school sweethearts recently celebrated their 35th anniversary—January 2012. Mike says, “she is my “Paradise”. Their daughter, 25, lives in San Clemente, CA., and their son, 30, lives in Austin, TX.

Mike and Sue

When I asked Mike if he had any words of Wisdom for the American Airline employees he said,

“Our lives are not defined by our jobs and the companies that employ us, but by the people in our lives—our families, friends, and fellow employees—never forget. We live in a broken world. Tough times allow us to see the needs of others more clearly. Giving ourselves to others almost always takes our mind off our troubles. It might only take a smile to brighten a person's day. We need each other more now than ever before. What often appears to destroy us is what eventually defines us and takes us to a better place.”

I couldn't have said it better!

Thank you, Mike, for the incredible interview and the lesson in patience yesterday. Your story is amazing and you are an inspiration to all. Tomorrow I'll be heading to Austin to babysit my grandson for a night, as my youngest lives there. Maybe one day I'll meet your son during my journey.

Please visit Mike at COEBOOKS and of course on his Flight Trilogy Blog.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Thank you!

2012-02-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thank You ALL for your overwhelming Support on

Flight For Control

Your Paperbacks are being shipped today!

Your Hardbacks next week!

And 11 Kindles have been upload to anxious readers!

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like
wrapping a present and not giving it"

William Arthur Ward

Thank you for the gift of support.
We have 29,999 books to go and then we can buy a plane.

"Dream Big or Go Home"

Darby Bradshaw

Enjoy the Journey! And read yesterday's post if you haven't yet.

XOX Karlene

FLIGHT FOR CONTROL!

2012-02-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Due to the rapid pulse rate, and shear excitement of this pilot, Wednesday Wellness will be put on hold until next week.

My aviation Thriller has become reality!

Today is all about

Flight For Control!
(click above to order on Amazon)

Flight For Control is on it's way! "Tonight" I will receive my shipment of paperbacks. Hardbacks: Tuesday, 02/14/2012, by the end of the day. Happy Valentines Day! The day they hit my door they'll be on their way to you.

Autographed copies can be ordered by clicking on one of the paypal links in the left margin. Remember to tell me who to autograph your book(s) to.

For your Kindle Edition click:

Flight For Control

Flight For Control will be available on NOOK too, coming soon!

STORY:

After a ten-year leave, Kathryn Jacobs has been invited back to the N.T.S.B to investigate a series of unexplained airline crashes. But her husband, Captain Bill Jacobs, has his concerns. While her twin daughters are off at camp, and Bill is actively campaigning for the Pilot Union Presidency, Kathryn secretly begins her investigation. What she learns will shock the nation.

Flight For Control is a thriller that reads like a mystery. But to Kathryn, there is no mystery on the condition of the airline industry—it’s broken. Planes are crashing. Pensions are lost. Pilots are financially and emotionally bankrupt due to fatigue, furloughs, and loss of seniority. It’s time that someone takes control before it’s too late—unless it already is.

Your life is in your pilot’s hands.
Do you know who’s flying your plane?

WARNING:

Please be advised this book is for mature audiences only. Okay... you don't have to be mature, but you should be old enough to deal with some serious real-life issues. While fiction, Flight For Control harnesses the current airline environment, economy, and the stress your pilots face daily. Where is the union? What is the FAA doing? What is management's fiduciary responsibility? Flight For Control also contains strong sexual content. When on the big screen, it will be R-Rated. Be ready for the flight of your life, it may be your last.

If you can handle the flight, then you will love the action and adventure of Flight For Control.

NOTE: Flight For Control is the first in the Flight Trilogy~

Flight For Safety, and Flight For Survival are sitting at the gate ready for pushback.

Read what the experts say: Reviews

"Aim for the Moon.
If you miss it, you may hit a star"

W. Clement Stone

Thank you all for your support, encouragement, and for being one of the first to read the next Best Selling Thriller... Flight For Control!

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

General Aviation verses Airline Flying

2012-02-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

Last week I received a great set of questions from a general aviation instructor, Noah. I thought it would be for everyone to hear the differences too. I know that you have more to add, so please do so in the comments.

Noah Rice just before takeoff

Questions and Answers:

I know that the training that I'm doing now will help me when I get to the airlines, I know there will differences but I'm just not sure how big the differences will be.

1. How different is the flight planning process at the majors from the flight training level?

Flight planning at the major airlines:

Answer: Somebody else plans our route. Determines required fuel. Determines alternates. Provides weather and Notams. Creates and files the flight plan. We review the paperwork. We have the ability to request more fuel, but usually that’s not an issue if our dispatcher is doing their job—which they normally are very good.

DA-42

2. Are there things that I can do now as a student pilot and as a GA pilot that will help me prepare for a career at a major?

Answer: Learn discipline, communication and management skills, and practice living like a Captain. What is a Captain? A leader. Click HERE to read how to be a CAPTAIN.

Over Utah lake downwind to PVU

3. Are there things that you have learned in CRM at the many airlines you’ve worked, that I can apply to my own flying? One thing I do is I confirm everything with my instructor when we're flying such as, runways before we enter them, and takeoff and landing clearances. Last year one of my best friends was up with his instructor and they had an accident, neither of them made it. It really made me be a lot more careful and I really wanted to have more communication myself and my instructor.

Answer: I’ve learned so much at the many airlines I’ve worked. Standard Operating Procedures is the key. Doing the same thing, the same way, and knowing your procedures so well you could do them in your sleep will enable you to shift your attention to an emergency if it should arise. If you have to tax your memory on the normal stuff, when the abnormal stuff happens, you won’t have enough brain cells to deal with the emergency. Know your normals. In addition, when flying with other pilots everyone knows what is expected. When someone deviates, you’ll know, and won’t assume it’s a technique.

Anticipate any contingency that “could” happen will enable you to prepare early. Don’t ever think it couldn’t happen to you, because it could. Be ready.

Plan, review, brief, and prepare for every flight is essential.

Listen and encourage feedback. We all have something important to say, and can learn from everyone.

Treat the plane and your job with respect. Have fun…yes. But you owe the best you can be to your passengers. This means… be healthy, rested, and prepared.

Noah in the CRJ-200 Frasca sim

4. I was out with my friend tonight, who is one of the people who wants to fly with me told me that she's afraid of flying. Would it be better for me to take her up or advise her to fly on a commercial airline before flying with me?

Answer: I would take her up and allow her to fly the plane. Explain what is happening and the basic concepts of flight. She’ll be so focused on what she’s doing, she won’t have time to be scared.

Walking on the Ramp.

5. I've flown many different aircraft, C172,DA-20,DA-40, DA-42 Twinstar ( I train in this), and a Cirrus SR-22. What are the main differences between flying a "Heavy" jet and flying light GA aircraft? I want to think that the fundamental skills still apply like knowing when to flare, recovering from stalls etc... but I just want to know if my thinking is correct.

Answer: I’ve been recently taking an Instrument Flying Ground school and learning the differences all over again. I personally think it’s easier at the airlines. Easy is a relative term. We have a lot more responsibility, but we also have more of a support team.

In the commercial world we are more protected by the “system.” Our focus is more on flying the plane and dealing with emergencies if they should arise. ATC takes really good care of us. We have a team... flight planning, etc.,

Landing at Spanish Fork

The flying is very different from what I remember because we do it more on automation than the GA world. We also do everything IFR. But, with that said, I’ve noticed that the pilots who fly small planes on their days off, have excellent skill flying the big jets. Weight. Lift. Thrust. Drag. All the same in any plane. We have more options to create more drag with speed brakes on the jets. The bigger planes fall out of the sky faster without their engines too. The landing is a bit different, too. (In some planes)

A 747 lands like a big 172. Height of the flare is an issue going back to the little planes. But flare and the process (other than it’s heavier) is very similar. The Airbus A330, however, is different in landing because we don’t really flare, but stop the decent rate. When the mains are on the runway, we fly the nose down to the runway.

One thing that I realized is the shift of power and pitch between jets and general aviation planes. In jets, on final approach, thrust is airspeed. Pitch keeps us on the path. I was told during my instrument class that when I “break out” during my instrument approach, in my general aviation airplane, that I need to switch from this concept I’m used to, and “fly speed with pitch!” Speed with pitch—how can that be? Thrust gives you speed. This is going to take some getting use to.

VSI in small planes lags. Air transport aircraft have IVSI—instantaneous. It’s a great tool.

Mt. Timpanogas

Managing the mass, despite the size, is the key to flying. Knowing your plane is equally essential in all types. General aviation has far more work getting ready for the flight because you do it all yourself. We have a team called dispatch.

Traffic on final. I was number 3 for takeoff. DA-40 on final,

Excellent questions~ I hope that one day I can come fly with you. And please, anyone who has anything to add… we would all love to hear your comments! And thanks for the great photos Noah.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Monday Motivation: You Can't Fail

2012-02-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

“You can’t fail if you never give up.”

Last week I received an email from a future pilot who recently experienced a snag in his longitudinal axis.

As promised, my update about last stage Psychomotor and Psychology test, sadly, I didn't make it through. I just receive the email awhile ago, I can feel my heart is burning. This is my third attempt, but the first and second one I failed in the first stage, so it wasn't that depressing as this one because it's the last stage. What can I do to improve myself?? I even bought the aptitude software to prepare myself for this test, but it came out to be not the same kind of test. They used some kind of Vienna Software.

Failure is not uncommon, I knew some people tried for 7 times only they succeed! But its really heart pain when you want something so badly, and you don't get it. Also, the pressure given from the people around me make it even worst especially when they constantly tries to pull me down or telling me not to waste anytime to chase something that I've been failing in. I wish my heart is made of steel, so I don't get hurt deep inside me even though I always show the positive face to them.

Remember this: You cannot fail if you never quit!

The way I see it is you have four more times to catch up to those other people who eventually succeeded. And then if you don’t make it at lucky number seven... you have as many times as it takes to be a motivation for someone else.

This type of testing is the same during all psychological testing phases. None of this is secret stuff. The secret part is how to pass. You can pass by training your mind how to perform. Here is some advice on how to prepare for these tests. Below are samples from my airline tests, and those of my friends recently hired at the regionals. The testing can be anywhere from 2 to 3 hours and from what I hear, they're now on a computer. My NWA was 99% on paper. I thought they were pretty fun tests. If you view them as games, they can be.

Below are some typical tests you might see:

Memory test, they will probably flash a photograph up for a second or two, and ask you some questions about it.

This is all about a scan. Learning to see an instrument and interpret it without spending a lot of time. Practice with a child’s picture book with lots happening on the page. Open the page quickly… see and think: Tree, 2 clouds, red car. Think color of the object you see. If it’s multiple items, then think the number. If not, then think only the object, that way your mind will know it’s only one. Open the book for a few seconds. Then try to write down everything you saw. Details of clothes, etc., Practice. Go to the next page and continue with the entire book. You can also practice glancing at a clock, then look away. Do you remember the time? Pay attention to ever detail you see in your world. Open your cupboard for a second. Write down all you saw with as much detail as possible. You are training your brain to see detail and recall. You can train your brain.

Logical reasoning can be confusing box patterns that the applicant will guess the next logic pattern in series. There might be some shapes that are inverted, upside down, or a mirror reflection. There are IQ books to practice, but you may not get the same test. But they are still useful.

How to prepare for this—use your practice test to not memorize, but ask yourself these questions: How can I identify the pattern? What is the subtle clue? Talk yourself through them. Pretend you have to explain to someone the reasoning why the next object falls into the pattern. This will train your mind to look for it.

Personality test could be up to 500 questions.

The best thing to do is answer honestly, and be consistent. They'll ask many of the same questions in different ways. If you are honest, who you are won't vary from question to question.

They may give you some flying type questions. A typical question may be about coordination asking about longitudinal, lateral, vertical axis. The basic flying stuff here, but they want to know that you know.

Know the terms and envision the lines. A little memory gouge I just made up for you:

Longitudinal—it’s a long way around the world. Best way to go is follow the line straight ahead.

Lateral—Flex those arms and show us your lats. Then stick those arms out as far as they can go to the side.

Vertical—Stand tall and look to the stars.

Once you have the lines figured out, and their directions, if they ask you what axis a plane uses to yaw, pitch, or bank, you can answer any question. See the lines on the plane above? Visualize what line that plane will rotate about for various maneuvers. See how it rolls over the longitudinal. Pitches over that lateral line. Yaws around the vertical.

You may get a reaction type test with a variety of digits, and you'll be required to identify numbers, words, letters, or pictures that appear in the second table. Yes, there is a time limit.

Then you might be asked to perform this test while they're asking you questions. A good question is, if the Oak is larger than the hemlock, and the hemlock is larger than the spruce tree, which tree is tallest. They're not difficult questions. These are for reasoning and logic. Can you think and do while you fly?

Make some and practice tables of your own. Train your eyes to see numbers, and letters. The observation game with the kid’s book will help with this too. You can teach your brain to remember. Create this chart to look like a bingo game. Actually, playing bingo will help. Playing kids bingo will help. They have bingo games with pictures.

For the questions, writing notes can Help. When I took this test I had a pen and paper. I would do the Oak and Hemlock question by writing the first initial for each tree the size relation. In seconds you can see who is the biggest: O h s. But now with computers, I suspect you can’t do this on paper, but you can think it.

There was another hand eye coordination test where different colors and tones flash at the same time. This was kind of fun. Just another game.

I have a game like this: Simon. Just checked on Amazon, and the game is $99. But for $10 they make a key chain. Might work. Simon Link.

I've hear lately there is a portion of this testing that uses a joystick control. I had a small hand held ball on the end of the stick when I played this game. key is you have to move your stick to match the object they display. The object moves and you chase it, hold it, stay with it. A bit more of a challenge than you think.

The best thing to do is go to the video arcade and practice playing with your right hand. That old game pacman is great. This is why I excelled at this game. We have a pacman game and before the kids broke it, my husband and I played it often. I found an on line link to one you can play for free! Get a stick for your computer and play this, with your right hand. Practice writing with your right hand, too. Click HERE to play pacman.

Don't worry if you think being left handed is a disadvantage, despite the tests being set up for a right-hand world. It's not. I'm right handed and did my A330 check in the left seat with the left hand, and did just fine. Now… playing games, that’s another story. But with practice you can do this!

Train your mind. Believe you will pass. You can pass this test!

Remember… stress destroys the memory. Don’t give stress a chance at attacking yours. Have confidence in yourself, and do not listen to those people who say otherwise. You really can train your mind—it’s one of the most powerful computers there is. If only we could access all it’s capable of. Start now training your brain.

Enjoy the journey!

XOX Karlene

Nina Anderson

2012-02-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

Friday's Fabulous Flyer

Nina Anderson was raised with the attitude that she could do anything. With a mother who had soloed an airplane in the 1930’s, and had worked professionally, it hadn’t crossed Nina’s mind that women couldn’t achieve anything that men could. Her being the Captain of the Monmouth College (NJ) sailing team reinforced this can do attitude.

Her father had become a pilot in the 1920s against insurmountable odds. Growing up in an orphanage while his parents worked to earn enough money to purchase a home for their “gaggle” of children, life wasn’t easy. He had started a flying club that grew to 200 members, negotiated flying lessons for leasing hangar space, and ended up logging over 600 hours. Despite the war breaking out and grounding her dad, as general aviation ceased, his love of aviation dragged Nina and her sisters to outings at the airport.

Like many college students in the 60’s Nina wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do with her life. She’d grown up around airports, and photos of airplanes covered the walls, but the thought of her becoming a pilot hadn’t occurred to her—she was trying to figure out how to make a living out of sailing. Then fate would take charge.

Her senior year in college Nina was looking for a photography instructor for her art thesis. That person turned out to be a pilot, and their first date was in an Aztec. She loved the experience and realized this flying thing was something she could do for a career, and subsequently poured all her money from teaching sailing into flying lessons in a Cessna 152. That photography instructor ended up being her first husband, but the love of aviation stayed with her for life.

For years Nina funded her aviation habit with a multitude of jobs—fueler, bathroom cleaner, bookkeeper, scheduler, aircraft broker, secretary, weather briefer, and she worked behind the counter of WWII terminal building in White Planes, NY. It wasn’t long until Nina realized this flying career might be more difficult to attain than she’d thought. But she didn’t give up.

She bought a Piper Apache with some friends in order to build her flight hours. At the time, the only aviation job she could attain was with Panorama Flight Services as a secretary, bookkeeper, and behind the counter—behind the scenes of airplanes. Ted, the owner, eventually gave Nina the opportunity to fly cancelled checks, but she was kept out of any cockpit if passengers were involved. Ted feared their seeing a woman at the controls would damage his business. One day, she had dropped off a part for a stranded plane, and picked up the stranded passengers. Amazing! Women can fly planes.

Despite Ted’s support, she couldn’t break through the airline world. She’d apply, but at 30-years-old she was too old. Each year the airlines upped the age; unfortunately Nina was also a year older. The final straw was when United said no, but with encouragement and support of her father, she didn’t give up. She headed for the commuter airlines instead.

1978 rolls around and equal opportunity was the ‘buzz’ word in the airline industry, and Command Airways hired Nina to fly as a first officer on a Twin Otter and Beach 99. The guys she flew with were less than accommodating or supportive, and it wasn’t long until she moved to ANE with hopes of flying a 737, and a better work environment. With a heavy heart and hope diming in the airline world, the poor work environment in the commuters, Nina decided to move into the corporate world of aviation.

Unfortunately that turned into a struggle as well. Nina says, a typical interview question was, “How long will it take you to split up our pilots families.” But her persistence paid off when a major corporation hired her. As it turned out their plan was to use her for PR, which didn’t endear her to her already harassing male counterparts, and she eventually left. But Nina continued to fly into her sixties.

She shared a bit of wisdom for women climbing the corporate ladder, in her book Flying Above the Glass Ceiling. But I think this wisdom is universal.

“Don’t believe anyone when they tell you you’re not worth it, put obstacles in your way, or try to undermine your dream. If you believe—it will happen! Just stay on track, be positive and don’t listen to those who are negative. In the long run you will win.

Today Nina is retired from flying planes, but she hasn’t slowed down. She’s still sailing and last summer taught her grandson how to sail, and then bought him a small sailboat for Christmas.

As an author and an entrepreneur, Nina has been writing for over 20 years, and has written numerous books such as Flying Above The Glass Ceiling, Eliminating Pilot Error, The Backseat Flyer, and 2012 Airborne Prophesy. She is also the founder of Safe Goods publishing. I had the opportunity to read Flying Above the Glass Ceiling, a compilation of stories from a variety of women pilots and their aviation journeys in the early years; their struggles, but also suggestions to future pilots. This book was a real life account of many women, and a fun and inspiring read.

Nina is also the founder and distributor of an electrolyte rehydration product for pilots to help jet lag, DVT, head headaches, dehydration and increases stamina—Electroblast.

ElectroBlast was formed by Nina and another woman pilot. They could never find anything healthy to drink in FBOs (Fixed Base Operators) so they came up with something to put the spark back in bottle water.

Nina says, “We sell it for all sports as well as the aging population who doesn't want to forget and forget - and especially for pilots. I didn't do any studies on jet lag, but we worked with a light box company that had a product that resets circadian rhythms. We know that electrolyte deficiency is a cause of DVT and that long flights can create risk of this and we know that electrolyte dehydration causes fatigue and affects the brains operation so we advise folks on long trips to drink it often.... you can put it in anything... including margaritas ... helps the dehydration of alcohol which contributes to hangovers."

I’m going to give it a try as I’m always in search of health products to take on the road.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Up In The Air... News Flash!

2012-02-02T00:05:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been nervous about flying? Wondered if turbulence was dangerous? Questioned the process of Air Traffic Control? Who is flying your plane? Well, Jeff DiStasio has started writing a great blog: Up in the Air. Pilots and passengers alike will love this. There is something for everyone.

Jeff is the father of three “beautiful” girls, a pilot, and aviation enthusiast—there is a fine line between enthusiasm and obsession. He holds his single and multi-engine land and instrument ratings, with complex and high performance endorsements. Jeff is currently working on his commercial license. His passion of aviation is surpassed only by a passion for learning, and research. Of course this pulls him back to aviation, as he loves anything that has to do with the sky and planes. He is also making himself available to help with any questions you may have.

Jeff DiStasio, and Up in the Air, demystifies everything you've always wondered about flying and provides simple, straightforward answers to all of your aviation related questions.

Below is just a taste of his writing. This is a must for any pilot starting out, those that have been flying, and for all of you who have always wondered… Up in the Air is the place.

Bumps

“On my flight today from Dulles (KIAD) to Hartford (KBDL), I sat next to a woman who was extremely scared to fly. I could feel the tension emanating from her and I felt really bad for her.

Even though I was just a passenger today, I had looked at the weather, knew to expect a few light bumps and that we'd mostly be in the clouds for the flight. I held off on telling her what to expect thinking I'd only make her more nervous. We departed from KIAD and were in the clouds in just a few seconds. As expected, the bumps started a couple minutes in. VERY light but immediately the woman next to me threw the relaxing music on her iPod, started her deep breathing exercises, death gripped the armrest and looked like she'd rather be anywhere on earth than there. I thought to myself, "if only she knew that, more than likely, it wasn't going to get any worse and knew what to expect". I held off on telling her however, I figured that some you nervous flyers would be interested. So, for everyone who hates turbulence or is just curious about it, here's a few interesting and hopefully helpful tidbits on turbulence...”

The Autopilot Myth: What Your Pilots Really Do During Your Flight

“There is one saying that I hear from people over and over again: "Planes fly themselves" often followed up with "In a few years, we won't even have pilots in the plane". Let's delve into that a little and see if you have the same opinion after reading this. First, what exactly does an autopilot do? Well, the answer is…"

Get Out And Fly!

"You get to the airport early on a Saturday morning after a very stressful week at work and, as you drive up to the airport, you forget about your job sitting in an office for 50 hours a week and you start the transformation into being a pilot. Transformation complete, you pull the covers off your small, piston engine 4-seat plane and untie the ropes holding it to the ramp. The sun has not yet risen so you grab a flashlight and do a thorough safety check and get some fuel. You hop in the plane without filing a flight plan because you have no place in particular to go. Within 15 minutes….”

I hope you drop on over and meet Jeff and follow his blog. He's doing some good things with his passion for General Aviation. If you have any questions, feel free to email him at Jeff(dot)distasio@gmail(dot)com

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

8500-8 Goes Paperless

2012-02-01T01:51:00.000-08:00

Did you know?

Dr. Larry Reports:

"The FAA has been moving from a paper driven to a paperless system for the past ten years and nowhere is this more evident than on the medical side. For decades, pilots filled out a triplicate paper form 8500-8. The form went digital in 2006 when MedXPress became the preferred option to complete this form online. In the latest move to go completely paperless, it was just announced that all pilots as of October 1, 2012, will have to fill out the 8500-8 electronically as the paper copy will go away completely.

For most of the aviation community, especially the pilots we serve and those reading this post, completing the application online is relatively easy and already a fact of life. For those who have resisted or have other reasons to not participating online, it’s time to get onboard. Upgrades being made to the system will make it even more desirable to complete the work online as well.

As one AME who dreams of the simplest system, your efforts to increase quality and efficiency are greatly appreciated. You can read more on the formal announcement from the Federal Air Surgeon by clicking HERE"

Thanks Dr. Larry!

Scheduling just called. 1:56 for a 2:50 report. I've got to get flying. Haneda. Short layover. LA. Short layover. Salt Lake/Seattle. I'll be home in time for the BUG Party on Saturday.

Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene

How To Be A Captain

2012-01-31T00:05:00.000-08:00

David Wallace started upgrade class on the Monday, Jan. 30^th!

“Yayyyy Me! I knew this moment was coming so I have been trying to prepare myself for it ever since I returned from furlough. I have been studying my operating manual and my systems book. However, I am sure there is more to being a captain than knowing these two books. What else should I be reading or practicing?”

Be a CAPTAIN:

Communicative: Captains listen to their fellow crewmembers, enlisting feedback, then they communicate their decisions, decisively. They speak loud enough for all to hear, with the confidence that they have made the right decision. They create a plan with their crew, and then they communicate that plan with dispatch, ATC, and their cabin crew. They let everyone know what they intend on doing. They know there are people on the plane and in the system who need to know what is happening "after" they deal with the emergency. After they have a plan.

Assertive: Captains know that being assertive with ATC is essential. Assertive is not the same as aggressive, but more the strength to communicate what they want, and need. They do not allow controllers to lead them down the path of no return. When a captain is not ready for an approach, he or she asks for radar vectors, or a holding pattern, until they are ready. If dispatch tells them to do something that doesn’t feel right, they have the strength to override that decision.

Procedures: Captains are perfectionists in themselves and their performance. They know all procedures better than the back of their hand. They know standard operating procedures, set-up procedures, emergency procedures, departure and approach procedures, and with practice will perform them with precision. Knowing procedures, and checklist responses is essential to good performance.

Think: Captains think ahead of the plane. They plan for all contingencies before they step into the flight deck. When they brief the abort, they have taken into consideration the weather, the stopping distance, and any contingency that may limit stopping ability, as well as those that may limit the ability to fly. They think beyond the plane. Instead of being reactive, they are proactive in their thoughts and actions.

Attitude: Captains have an attitude of leadership. They are confident, communicative, willing to listen, and support their fellow crewmembers. They are positive, and encouraging and appreciate the feedback from their team. They instill in their crewmembers a feeling of importance as to the safe outcome of the flight.

Instill confidence: Captains instill confidence in others, by being confident in themselves. They instill confidence by being honest, upfront, and forthright.

Not afraid. Captains are not afraid to be human. They know that we all make mistakes and they encourage their fellow crewmembers to be comfortable in speaking out if they see something wrong. They are not afraid to say thank you, or to be humble.

David tells me his class is one week long, followed by an oral. Seven simulator sessions in the BE-1900D. His checkride might be all in the simulator, or possibly 85% in the simulator, and 15% in the plane. IOE (initial operating experience) will follow, and finally his Fed ride.

What Captain advice do you have for David?

David, you’re going to make a Great Captain! Keep me posted on your progress.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOXX Karlene

February 4th: You're all Invited!

2012-01-30T21:10:00.001-08:00

It's a Sweetheart Fly-In and you're invited!
If you can't read the details, click HERE for more information.

I'm going to be at a Bug party so I won't be able to attend, but I know everyone will have a fabulous time!

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Do it Before It's too Late

2012-01-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

Monday Motivation:

"Make time and do it today.
This moment may be your last opportunity."

A flight to someday lands at an airport called nowhere. This is a place where tomorrow never comes. You wake up, and tomorrow is always a day away. Talk about baggage fees. Carry your baggage on this flight, and you’ll be paying for the rest of your life with regret.

This year is dedicated to doing something each month that I've wanted to do, but keep putting off until next week, or month, or year, because the timing isn't right, and the scheduling hasn't worked. Sometimes, you just have to make it work. It's well worth it when you do.

So what do you get when you cross a Delta FO, with a WASP, a USAir Captain, and a Mesa Captain?

Karlene, Betty, Nancy and Mary

A really great time!

After I spoke at Nelson middle school at Impact Day, I flew to the airport and hitchhiked to Arizona. Two days off and I made the most of them. I met the most wonderful people filled with the greatest hospitality! Nancy's family was great and welcomed me to their beautiful home. Mary was so much fun to laugh with. Betty was a hoot!

If you don't know Betty Blake, click HERE. She's 91 and was one of the first WASP. She is now the last in her class still with us. But that could have something to do with her attitude.

Nancy took me for a hike to Pinnacle Peak. It has been many years since I'd hiked that trail. And the amazing thing is, Nancy and I were both hired by America West Airlines within the same time frame. She was on the line. I was in the school house. So sad our paths never crossed before, but they were bound to.

I'd heard there was a UsAir pilot helping Betty on her days off. But months later a woman contacted me because of my connection with Medicine on the Move. Nancy and her friend Gina, who is an amazing woman, wanted information on MOM to help out. Gina is a hospice nurse going beyond the call of duty. She would love to go to Ghana and lend a hand. Nancy contacted me about that connection, and realized I'd done a blog on Betty. I soon learned that she was the woman helping Betty. We've been trying to make it happen for me to go down that way for months.

It was time to just do it. I'm so glad I did. Betty said, "I'd always wanted to go to Alaska, and Africa." The reality is, she wouldn't be making it in this life. Don't put off your dreams, because you may run out of time. Make them happen sooner than later.

What have you been putting off that you should just do before it's too late?

Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene

Norah O'Neill

2012-01-27T07:17:00.000-08:00

Friday's Fabulous Flyer

Norah O'Neill
747 1984

Norah’s life began the day she ran away from home to the top of Mt. McKinley after she’d learned her husband had filed for divorce, after three weeks of their working apart, and his girlfriend had become pregnant. In hindsight, I don’t believe Norah was running from anything. I think she was being pulled toward her destiny.

She’d been crushed and ready to make a change in scenery. Norah jumped at the chance to fly north and become part of a modeling shoot for skiwear. An avid skier herself, this was exactly what she needed. Being airlifted to the top of Mt. McKinley, for the five-day skiwear shoot, appealed to her on every level. But it wasn’t until she was leaving the mountain, would her life change forever.

Norah with Navajo Chieftan in Fairbanks 1974

Having flown up the mountain laying down in the cargo compartment, strapped down with the cargo, Norah insisted on sitting in the cockpit on the flight back down. That flight changed the course of her life. It gave her direction and focus.

“As I looked out the cockpit window, I felt curiosity and wonder and fear, but I did not immediately recognize the welling up of need from deep inside me…. I was in love.”

This is how Norah’s aviation adventure began.

23-years-old, and no home to return to, she’d made her decision to learn to fly. She found a nighttime job in Kodiak Alaska’s most prominent bar, frequented by prostitutes. She worked all night, slept for a few hours in the morning, and took flying lessons in the afternoon before she went back to the bar to work. Living in a furnace room of an old house, she exchanged housework for rent, so every penny could go to the airport. She learned to fly, became an instructor, then became a charter pilot.

For those of you who’ve flown in Alaska know that this type of flying either ends in death, or becoming an extremely competent pilot. Norah survived. She survived equipment failures, fatigued-filled hours of flying all night through the mountainous terrain in IFR conditions, and the torment of being a woman breaking into the male domain. To say she wasn’t accepted would be an understatement. Norah was breaking ground for all women pilots to come.

Norah's favorite airplane, the Classic 747, 1981

She eventually departed her Alaska job after she was hired by Flying Tigers—their first woman pilot. To say the boys embraced the concept of a woman would be a lie. They embraced the challenge of trying to drive her out. She was known as C-1, and the stories Norah tells in her book Flying Tigress, will shock you, make you cry, laugh out loud, and you will understand what my early predecessors went through. I know C-4 at Northwest, and those days were not fun for the ladies. But they survived, and they did make a difference for the rest of us. Those shocking stories, they're all true. And this is where truth is stranger than fiction.

Flying Tigress is one of the most captivating books I’ve ever read. It carried me down memory lane, and unearthed memories that I’d forgotten. Norah’s prose takes you into the cockpit for an instrument approach into Hong Kong, just as if you were there. If you love aviation, you will love Flying Tigress. Share a piece of history. It's a tribute and honor to the ladies who paved the way into the commercial airline world. I laughed at Norah replacing the penthouse photos with playgirl in the cockpit. I did the same at Evergreen.

The long nights. The laughter. The tears. The death of friends. She’s seen it all. She struggled with balancing motherhood and flying, marriage and trust. She fought with loneliness, the need to love and to be loved. Her story is honest, open and riveting.

Norah with children Cammie and Bren at 2009 Forest of Friendship induction

Flying Tigress is a story of adventure, humor, heart-break, sorrow, strength and survival. It’s beautiful. Her life was an adventure. We fly for many things. Sometimes we end up soaring the world in search of meaning. Sometimes that meaning is in our own back yard. We give our life to the lust of Aviation, and it strips us of everything. But it also gives back so much more that it takes.

Noah’s last flight—“I contemplated the phrase I’d heard, that life was not measured by the number of breaths one took but by the moments that took one’s breath away. I thought of the other marvelous things I had viewed from the cockpit. These were God’s gift to pilots: snow crawling down the Rockies, sunrise over the Grand Canyon, the vast green mat of the Amazon jungle, the twisting silver road of the Mississippi, and the top of Everest—a cone 10,000 feet below. I had seen the Great Wall of China curving below, the harbor at Rio, the starkness of the Australian Outback, the towering plume of Mt. Saint Helen’s ash, the curvature of the earth at the North Pole the deep blue of the stratosphere. I had crossed the equator, awed by sunstreaked evenings, dappled earth, velvet night, and spun-silver clouds. I flew inside God’s weather; saw horizontal rain and contrails. On night over the north slope of Alaska, I turned off my small plane’s lights and flew, just a dark spot against the starry skies, in to the green and yellow and pink of the dancing of the Aurora Borealis.”

Wearing her favorite uniform, the cat pajamas in MD-11 cockpit over China 2002

Norah wearing her 747 flying through northern lights dress while meeting her favorite band IL Divo

Norah, it's an honor to know you. On behalf of all the women pilots, we thank you for opening the doors and standing strong while they were slammed in your face. You did make a difference in this life for many. Thank you.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Tired of Driving When You Could Be Flying?

2012-01-26T00:05:00.000-08:00

Supporting General Aviation

Brett Stokes is working with a group of technology experts on a possible solution to promote, increase, and support General Aviation. They are gathering information from pilots, travelers, and aviation enthusiasts to identify and define the market’s desires for travel.

The link at the end of this post will direct you to a ten-question survey that will help Brett and his team make some final adjustments to their design. The more feedback they receive, the better they’ll be able to cater to your needs. You didn't know you had needs. But trust me, this is something we all need.

Please contact Brett if you have any questions. He’ll provide updates as they near completion and, at that time, will share more about the aspects of this technology. They’re keeping it quiet now, but this is something that all pilots can use… worldwide. I know what Brett’s doing, and I can hardly wait until they’re up and running.

Who will this technology help?

Pilots building hours—Business Travelers—Commuting Airline Pilots—People living in remote areas—Airports—Aviation—General Aviation... and more!

Click on this link: Tired of Driving When You Could Be Flying? Take the survey, it will cost you about two minutes of your time. Then forward this to everyone you know. This is going to go global. You don't even have to be a pilot to use it. If you travel... this is for you. But if you are a pilot, you'll love what he's doing.

Thanks Brett! I know the endeavor will be a success. I only hope bring it to market sooner than later.

Please leave Brett any questions. And feel free to contact him for further updates at stokes3_99@yahoo.com

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Flying With Crap

2012-01-25T04:48:00.000-08:00

"Off the Record Q & A with a Local A.M.E."

DR. Larry

I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea and I use a CPAP machine nightly. What’s the risk if I don’t take my CPAP machine with me when I go out on trips?

Volumes of literature now exist regarding Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and its associated risks with heart and stroke disease, mental confusion, chronic pain and fatigue. Reducing those risks for pilots and the general population by using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is also well documented. For people who feel a dramatic benefit, the desire to use their CPAP machine on a nightly basis is welcomed and reinforced. Nonetheless, traveling with a CPAP machine, as small as they are, can be an obstacle to traveling light, and going through security screening makes it one more thing to carry.

With 7% or more of the population having some degree of OSA, the FAA recognizes this as a serious problem. Combined with irregular hours, long duty days and time zone changes, the effects of nocturnal hypoxia become magnified.

The question is best answered from a study undertaken a year ago by Malcolm Kohler, M.D. and reported in the American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, August 11, 2011. They studied 40 patients who effectively used CPAP for over 12 months. When the study began, half of the 40 continued their CPAP as prescribed while the other half used sub-therapeutic CPAP levels. The following factors were evaluated before and after the trial: Epworth Sleepiness Scale tests, blood pressure, heart rate, vascular function and blood lipids.

After only two weeks, the results showed statistically significant differences in hypoxic events, a rise in morning blood pressure, heart rate, and daytime sleepiness. It was not associated with psychomotor changes or cholesterol levels.

Dr. Kohler concluded that withdrawal of CPAP was associated with a return of OSA by the first night.

We know risk is relative. Someone placed on CPAP for problems such as chronic fatigue, mental confusion or daytime sleepiness is unlikely to have severe recurrent symptoms overnight. However, if one has significant underlying cardiovascular disease, a night or two of stressful sleeping because of hypoxia may be enough to push one's body over the edge.

FAA's guidelines mandate a minimum six hours per night and 75% to 85% nightly usage. Thus, some leeway exists for not having perfect compliance. Perhaps this makes the idea of CPAP more palatable because even though the benefits of CPAP are great, some effort is involved to be compliant. Any level of sleepiness while flying is not ideal so minimizing the chance of drowsiness makes 100% compliance the best option.

To your good health and energetic days,

Dr. Larry

Dr. Larry Greenblatt

Heart Attack, Stroke and Diabetes Prevention

Sports medicine and Family Practice

http://www.cmadoc.com/

"Concierge healthcare that's all about you! "
Care Medical Associates, PLLC
1407 116th Ave. NE, Suite 102
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.637.0636

A330: FMGEC. MCDU. FCU.

2012-01-24T00:05:00.000-08:00

The Brains of the Computerized Airplane.

The Flight Management System, FMS, is comprised of 2 FMGEC—Flight Management Guidance Envelope Computers. Inside each of the FMGEC computers lay the operating systems that manage our A330.

FMGEC: Flight Management. Flight Guidance. Flight Envelope. Computers.

FM: Flight Management—The on-board computerized Dispatcher responsible for flight planning, performance, navigation, and communicating data via the PFDs, NDs, and MCDUs.

FG: Flight Guidance—The on-board, computerized pilot responsible for commanding the autopilot, flight directors, and authothrust.

FE: Flight Envelope—The on-board, computerized Flight Engineer, responsible for computing the flight envelope, maneuvering speeds, reactive windshear detection, and gross weight and CG computations and warnings.

Under normal operations the two FMGECs work together. Data entered into either MCDU (Multipurpose Control Display Unit) is shared with the other computer. They work together, and just like other glass planes there is a master. The selection of the A/P or A/T (first on) will determine which FMGEC becomes that master. If one FMGEC has a problem, the other can handle the operation, but the pilot must switch control on the Switching Panel. No automatic switching of a FMGEC computer.

In the example below, the number 2 FMGC failed and the pilot selects both on 1, and now the First Officers MCDU interacts with the number one FMGEC.

(Airbus) MCDU is a CDU (Boeing)

MCDU: Pronounced the McDoo, is your Multipurpose Control Display Unit, called a CDU (control display unit) on the Boeing. The long-range goal is to get to the destination, and this computer airplane can do that itself, with a little help. By programming the MCDU, the pilot can set up the plane for success to takeoff, climb, manage speed, level off, descend, and fly an arrival to an auto-landing at destination. Flying the plane in this automated manner is all about utilizing Managed Guidance—the operation is fully automated and the computer is directing the plane.

(Airbus) FCU is a MCP (Boeing)

FCU: The Flight Control Unit is nothing more than Boeing’s MCP (mode control panel). This is where the pilots intervene to deviate from their original programmed plan. ATC wants you to slow down, turn to a heading, or gives you an unexpected level off, this how you'll manage the flight. Or, the pilot just wants to fly their plane. When we intervene, we use Selected Guidance—The pilots is commanding the plane.

Normal operations is to fly the plane with a combination of both. Many pilots rely on the managed guidance. Smart pilots takes control and use selected guidance, to keep proficient at their flying skills.

Rise to the Challenge

2012-01-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

"We are like a silent mist
rising in the dawn - to the
challenges of the day."

Eleesha

What challenges are you facing today?

There is nothing you are facing at this moment...No challenge too great, obstacle too high, road to long, or ocean too wide... that we can't find a solution to brighten your day.

Whatever is bothering you...shift your focus and change your state, you'll continue on your quest and embrace this day. Look at problems as challenges. Challenges are opportunities to learn, and grow. Fact of life: You get what you focus on. If you're focusing on something negative... you need to break the pattern. Turn on the music, do the dishes, go flying, hit the gym, etc., it's amazing how better you'll feel by getting out of your own way.

Did you know that I am taking an instrument ground school class twice per week? I'm also writing about each class at Flying Training. If you're interested in flying little planes in the clouds drop by and check it out.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

PILOT JOB POSTING:

2012-01-21T15:24:00.000-08:00

EMB190 Captains - $15,000 USD/month + overtime + annual bonus

Earn $15,000 USD/month + overtime based on 80 hours per month. Earn an additional $150 USD per every hour flown over 80. VOR Holdings will also pay you $8,000 USD at the end of your 1st year, $12,000 USD at the end of your 2nd year, and $15,000 USD at the end of your 3rd year. Your total compensation for three years is $575,000 USD+. After completing your three year contract, you will be given the opportunity to upgrade to the A320 aircraft at the airline's expense.

You have the option of working a 6 weeks ON, 3 weeks OFF or 6 weeks ON, 2 weeks OFF + 24 days of additional leave per year schedule.

Interview in Charlotte, Phoenix, Chicago or Beijing.

If you are interested, send an email to recruit@vorholdings.com

Sincerely,

Peggy Li
Manager of Recruiting
www.VORHoldings.com

Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu

2012-01-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

Friday's Fabulous Flyer:

Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu

WASP Women Airforce Service Pilots

December 15, 1920 history was being born in Bradley Beach, New Jersey, as Bernice “Bee” Falk made her entry into the world.

There’s no mystery to the impact on a child when they receive support and encouragement. Bee was fortunate to grow up under the wings of strong role models. Men who supported and encourage their women. And women who set great examples for their children.

Bee had a grandmother who dabbled in the stock market, a man’s job. Her grandmother on her mother’s side started a pleating and embroidery business. Bee’s mother established branches of the family’s hemstitching and dressmakers’ supplies business…later to own a lingerie shop. When Mom’s business closed, due to the depression, she opened the Montclair Employment business. This is a family of entrepreneurs making life happen, despite all obstacles.

Thanks to this industrious family, growing independent women, Bee’s dreams were limitless. Success was written on the horizon. But opportunity is not always given. Sometimes we have to make it through adversity.

Standing at the auxiliary field a distance from Avenger Field in her fleece lined helmet and pants.

Growing up in Montclair New Jersey, Bee graduated from high school 1938. Unfortunately the reality hit strong when she realized there was not enough money to send both she and her brother to college. Despite the strength and support within her family the rest of the world hadn’t caught on yet, and the jobs available to women were secretarial and she didn’t need college. Bee’s brother would be the child to attend college, while Bee went to work as … guess what? A secretary.

The jobs came and went. But it bothered her that she didn’t have the opportunity to attend college. You know what she said?

“Stop feeling sorry for your self and do something about it!”

Bee decided to attend night school and soon learned that they had courses in Aviation. With her Brother in Army Air Force, she wanted to do something to support the war effort and she enrolled in aviation courses.

Bee says, “This began my long love affair with flying!”

1944 in her Stearman

Wednesday, February 9, 1944 her journey began as she headed to Sweetwater Texas to learn to fly. But today her Journey continues. What inspires Bee?

“Letting as many people as possible know that there were women flying military aircraft in WWII. There are so many that have never heard of us. I give to the Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX because they are the archivists of WASP memorabilia. We are trying to raise an endowment fund to enable them to continue taking care of our records and giving information to anyone interested.”

I’m not going to share any more of Bee’s story with you. Why? I couldn’t do her life justice, but her book, Letters Home, will.

Jackie (little sister) Bee, and Mom

Bee’s mother saved every letter her children sent to her. The candid humor, language and stories she shares of her adventures, challenges, hopes and dreams during her flying experience from 1944-1945 are enclosed in Bee’s book. Not to mention the photos! I felt like I stepped into another world. Bee inspired me to write a historical fiction novel. The story came to me in my dreams the night I’d finished her book.

You too will be inspired by reading Letters Home. Bee donates "all proceeds" to Texas University, Denton, Texas.

Bee: WASP. Wife. Mother. Pilot. Racer. 99...

What defines a person’s life?

In 1977, the WASP finally received recognition as veterans of World War II. Bee was instrumental in making this happen. The struggles were many, and the team of women, and men, who contributed, as well as their efforts, can be read in Letters Home. The story is amazing. What I will tell you is, the plaque for Bee Falk Haydu hanging in the Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey is well deserved, as is her Congressional Gold Medal.

Bee in the forward right. Standing in front of the B-52.

(page 101 of Letters Home. To read the names of these fabulous women)

Bee’s life touched me, in many ways. I smiled at her attitude in training, because I share the same perspective. I felt her fear, joy, and challenges, as if they had been mine. Had I been born 42 years earlier I would have met Bee in WASP training, and we would have become life long friends. Toward the end of her book, I discovered Bee has three children born in ’52, ’53, ’54. My three were born in ’83, ’84, ’85. Her husband owned racehorses. My husband owned racehorses. As a matter of fact, Bee’s friend Jockey Eddie Accaro… (a great story in the book) My husband knew of him, and remembered his visit to Long Acres Racetrack in the late ‘50s.

Life is a journey where people and paths cross. Lives are touched. Dreams are created. Passions are lived. Opportunities taken, or given up, create different flight plans. Sometimes they take us to the sky. But at the end of the game we all get to sit back and review the movies of our life. It’s up to us to make them the best they can be.

Who would know that the baby girl, born in December of 1920, would impact the world on such a grand scale? Bee Faulk Haydu is an amazing woman, and the story of her life is remarkable. If you read anything this year, this is it.

Letters Home

1944-1945

Women Airforce Service Pilots

Thank you Bee, for all you’ve done for aviation, women, history, and our country. I'm honored to share your story on Flight to Success.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

A330 Terminology: It’s All Foreign

2012-01-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

EIS. DU. EFIS. DMC. PFD. ND. ECAM. E/WD. SD.

One of the more confusing things about understanding a glass airplane is learning the terms. But learning the fundamentals is the foundation to success.

EIS: Electronic Instrument System. Imagine this system as the brain of the flight deck that communicates and manages the data by displaying navigation, flight, engines, aircraft systems, and associated messages on six display units. This system also provides instrument switching when display units fail.

These six identical display units, known as DUs are used to display ECAM, and EFIS information for both pilots.

EFIS: Electronic Flight Instrument System (not to be confused with EIS) displays the Primary Flight Information (PFD), and Navigation Data (ND) on the out two display units. (DUs)

PFD—Primary Flight Display—displays heading, attitude, altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, and autoflight status.
ND—Navigation Data—Displays navigation data in various formats, depending upon the selection on the EFIS control panel.

EFIS Control Panel Located on the Glareshield

ECAM: Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor—Display engines data, fuel quantity, flap position, messages, checklist information, and aircraft systems on two DUs.

E/WD—Normally on the upper ECAM—displays fuel quantity, slat and flap position and alerts and caution messages.
SD—System Display—normally on the lower DU—displays aircraft systems, status messages, and secondary flight data.

ECAM control panel—used to manage data on both the E/WD and the SD.

This is just a taste of the flight deck. But once you know what terms mean, you'll be able to gain deeper understanding of the systems and how they work.

Enjoy the Journey

XOX Karlene

Does Plastic Surgery Count?

2012-01-18T00:05:00.000-08:00

"Off the Record Q & A with a Local A.M.E."

Dr. Larry

Question: "Dr. Larry, I am considering plastic surgery. Will I need to report this surgery on the 8500-8 application form the next time I apply for my airman medical certificate?"

Answer: Great question, especially since the number of people having plastic surgery the past 10 years has grown dramatically, including more Men 'Nipping and Tucking' than ever before.

Technically, the answer is yes. Plastic surgery, unlike a routine physical or eye exam, is an invasive procedure where an incision, imperceptible are not, is made to correct or improve a physical attribute.

Thus, the surgery should be noted in Question 18x and again in Question 19, assuming it was within the past three years. (Any box checked yes in question 18 will always continue to be yes.)

Beyond the question of plastic surgery, the general question of what office visits or procedures to put down is one of the most common questions AME's are asked. I'm sure the top 4 reasons are:

They fear losing their medical certification.
Pilots believe it's none of the FAA's business
Pilots don't want to spend time filling in the history
Pilots believe most healthcare interactions are not relevant to the certification process

These are all valid points and I sympathize with pilot’s frustration. The FAA likewise recognizes most surgeries and other items noted in questions 18 and 19 will be of non-significance. Nonetheless, they are solely responsible for assessing the significance to aviation safety of procedures, illnesses, disabilities, etc, which means they will continue to require documentation.

As the world of medicine and aviation safety evolves, out-dated and archaic procedures and concepts will remain in play. Governmental bureaucracy moves with the speed of molasses and the FAA is no different when it comes to policy changes, in large part due to the legal ramifications, not because the human beings assisting pilots desire the status quo. As individuals, many are pilots themselves and those I’ve talked to over the years also feel the frustration.

When questions arise while filling out your 8500 -8, I recommend calling your AME to discuss the concern, remember it's a legal document and error on the side of openness. Pilots place themselves in jeopardy when going against standard operating procedures. This component of aviation safety is no different.

To your good health,

Dr. Larry

Dr. Larry Greenblatt

Heart Attack, Stroke and Diabetes Prevention

Sports medicine and Family Practice

http://www.cmadoc.com/

"Concierge healthcare that's all about you! "
Care Medical Associates, PLLC
1407 116th Ave. NE, Suite 102
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.637.0636

Pilots' Personality

2012-01-17T00:05:00.000-08:00

Could this be part of my pilot personality? Or... is it just that I'm just perfectionist? Because I know that I'm not a procrastinator...

The proof to Flight For Control arrived yesterday afternoon. The UPS driver battled the snow on the holiday and drove his own car to make this delivery.

Holding my book in my hands was something that I'll never forget. Nothing short of spectacular. It's one of those moments like passing your checkride, holding your baby after 9 months of pregnancy and 18 hours of labor, or receiving your college diploma.

You've worked so hard, for many months or years. You've invested so much in time, energy and resources. And you did it. You had a dream. It became a reality and then you're ready to celebrate. But the reality is... the baby's diaper needs to be changed.

Back to the perfectionist part. My novel is here. The bio page is missing. It wasn't long until I discovered Princess turned into a Prince, and there was no surgical team involved. A sentence needed to be moved in chapter four. A whisper came at the wrong time. The moral of this story, I am not answering my phone, and sitting by the fire while the snow falls beyond my window and will have the edits complete tomorrow, for another upload. And proof.

Yes, I am a sick, sick perfectionist focused on detail. But then, that could be a good trait when flying planes.

Flight For Control will be available next week! Remember, good things come to those who wait. It's been 2 and a half years. I know we can wait another week.

Note: The photos were out my window. The birds danced for joy as they dined on seed. You can tell by their size, they're not starving. I had about twenty (plus) of these little guys jumping from the branches to the bird feeders all day.

Today through Wednesday? Estimating 6-11 inches of snow in the Seattle area. Winter is here... and I had already bought sleds for the kids. Life is good.

Enjoy the journey!

XOX Karlene

Monday Motivation

2012-01-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

“We must accept finite disappointment,

but never lose infinite hope.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

The disappointment today is my "proof" for Flight For Control is scheduled to arrive after 3 p.m. ... Unless UPS doesn't deliver on a holiday... and I have Instrument ground school tonight. So my reading won't begin until tomorrow morning. I was hoping to have my novel in my hands Saturday, have it read and able to approve by today. Plan A didn't happen.

My much anticipated "go date" for my novel's release may not make it's 17th debut. But like all good things, they come to those who wait. It's also been 2 years 6 months, what's another few days? I have infinite hope that it will come, all will be perfect and I can shout about the release sooner than later.

How will you deal with the little setbacks of life?

Enjoy the journey!

XOX Karlene

Happy Birthday Dr. King

2012-01-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Friday Fabulous Flyer: Mima

2012-01-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

"Norhamimah Asmiera Binti Othman"

A few weeks ago I received an email from a beautiful young lady who has the dream to fly. Before we learn about her, I’m going to share her letter because her words speak volumes of who she is. So often we focus on what we “do” in life. But who we are—our dreams, aspirations, attitude, and willingness to work hard for what we want, says so much more about us.

Mima wrote:

“I found your blog when you wrote something about my friend, who happen to be my inspirational idol, MOANA ISHAK or Ona. She's one of amazing woman that manage to become a pilot and I too, want to become like her. My ambition is pilot but since my family background wouldn't allow me to follow my dream easily, I know I had to take the hardest way. And I am...Currently I'm working at Airasia as a ground crew and everyday, its awaken my heart each time I saw an aeroplane and flight... it brighten my mood when I saw a cabin crew.

I am 24 now and for most of pilot in Malaysia, 24 is the age of them start flying but me, its the age I start chasing after my dream like crazy, still not sure whether I will achieve it or not.
There's a time when I feel like giving up but no! I CAN'T !

I have that dream since I was little and let go of it without trying even harder is the same as crashing a children pure dream. How could I do that to myself?!

Your blog has taught me so much especially in 'TRUST YOURSELF' part.... I admire you.
I will keep and keep and keep trying my best to achieve my dream... I don't care if I don't have any property, look so outdated in terms of gadget...As long as I can become a pilot, it's worth.

Someone said to me, NO YOU CAN'T BECOME A PILOT, FORGET IT... I want to prove him wrong... Even my parent didn't support my dream, I will prove myself and become a good example for my sibling...

I want to taste the sweetness of success and I know, for that, I have to swallow the bitterness.”

Mima's story is one of encouragement and motivation. For all of us who think we hit walls in our life, and can't seem to get what we want, take a moment to read what Mima is faced with. The most amazing thing is... She is NOT Giving Up! She never will. She will succeed.

Mima's story:

"When I watch this video, (Click HERE to view), I will definitely feel happy and inspired to do better. He was right, while we chasing our dream, what matters is not the goal but the things that we get along the journey while chasing the goal... although at the end of the way, the goal will make everything sweeter.

I think I'm experiencing it right now. The first time I finished my study, the journey of becoming a pilot seemed hard for me. I had to take the hardest steps since my parent didn't support what I'm doing. They said, it’s impossible for woman to get married and become a pilot. I feel sad and discourage for a moment but it doesn't stop me from what I'm doing. I have been dreaming and keeping this ambition since I was kid and guess what, my parent who make me loves aviation.

Since we're coming from poor family and our house situated not far from airport, every weekend, my father will brought us to the airport as a weekend activity and since that time, I started developing this unexplainable love toward aviation. Pilot and aircraft amazed me. I started collecting all the info's since I'm 15. I bought the old magazines that cost RM1 and I watch TV, I saw Ona there and decided to write letter to her to show how I adores her for being one of the first lady pilot in Malaysia. She replied me and since that time I become her friend. She always encourages me to work hard and that's why I looked at her as my idol.

I once got an interviewed from private flying academy after being shortlisted from hundreds of applicant. I feel lucky to be part of 50 shortlisted candidates. I still remember when the admin gave us a small book of basic engine. telling us to understand and memorize it. I did! it was hard but I did it. Unfortunately I still lack of interview knowledge as it was my first ever interview experience and its related to something that I desire the most. I feel pressured and failed the interview. Those three man, they said this to me before I walked out from the room. "JUST TAKE ENGINEERING CUZ YOU KNOW FEMALE IS IMPOSSIBLE"

That time, I take that word without thinking that they actually put some test on me. If they rejected girls then why among many applicants, they only shortlisted two girls. I should have known better but I take that word as a challenge. Considering how hard it was for me to attend the interview. I only have RM50 and need to survived at Kuala Lumpur with no relatives and risk and with my father disapproved my decision. It was so hard that I cried before I sleep. The only strong support that I get was from my brother and Ona. My brother always tell me that since he can't joined cabin crew carrier due to health problem, he wanted me to continue his dream. I lived until today with his support and encouragement. When everyone looks down on me, he always lift and embraces my dream, telling me not to give up. NEVER GIVE UP!

I joined the contest made by Airasia for 'SO YOU THINK YOU WANNA BE A PILOT' blog article. I send my application and failed. I tried my luck on HONDA scholarship for aspiring student by sending my work of article and failed. I remembered when I search for my high school teacher just to ask her to proof read my article just to make sure all grammar is okay, I'm so happy that she still remember me and willing to help. I feel so sad when I failed and she told me I should try again and again and again. I told my uncle, hoping he could help me applying sponsor since he's a rich man with many influence friend but all I got was a laughter from him. Big one.

I went to second interview with different flying academy and this time, I put aside all the point of failures during first interview and try my best. I DID IT!! They accepted me. The captain even said to me among all candidates, he saw me as the most aspiring one. I prepared everything including the approval letter from Malaysian Civil Aviation letter. I received my acceptance letter and started to search for financial source and loan. This is when another failure strikes me. I failed again. I couldn't find any loan because most of previous financial source has stopped sponsor the aspiring pilot. After that, I called for my final chances which is student loan department for Malaysia and they give the same reason as the first financial loan source that I applied. NO ROOM FOR PILOT WANNABE SINCE THE COST IS TOO HIGH. Can you imagine how I feel? I don't have any chance at all anymore. The feeling of giving up has taken control of me. I feel so give up. I send a text message to the interviewer from that academy that accepted me and he felt sorry for me. But he still said 'I WILL WAIT FOR YOU, AS MY TRAINEE'.

When the chances seemed thinner, I started to think of my dream will just be a dream. All of sudden, I try out for Airasia ground intake and succeed. And here I am, become one of Airasia Ground Operation staff with a deep ambition to try out for cadet pilot. I almost forgot that I still have one more chances which is by applying as a staff. This is my last chance. Nothing more so I will struggle hard for this. My first sweet achievement is when I get the 'BEST TRAINEE' award among my batches. It does lifted my spirit as the trainer once told me ' I SEE YOU WITH BIG FUTURE'. I couldn't help but thank him with teary eyes. I know I have a chance. At least I still have tiny bit of chances.

Working here makes me happy to get to see aircraft EVERYDAY. To get to see PILOT EVERYDAY. Its like I will get to see my aspiration (I looked all all pilots as my aspiration ). I still remember before I get the job here, I will sleep at KLIA without going back home with money that only enough to pay my bus ticket just because I want to see pilot and aircraft. I don't care if I'm hungry but seeing them walking with charismatic look, all is worth. I shivered that night because I don't bring extra clothes. My friends mad at me for doing something stupid and she even cried saying that why I have to love aviation this much. I know she feel worry.

But now she told me that I can achieve what I want since I already one step closer.”

Mima tells me she is not a student who excelled at school, and she didn’t come from a wealthy family to afford to assist with her dream. But she says, “I am willing to struggle hard to achieve it. Someday, when I managed to get what I want, become what I want to be, I will walk with free steps and thank everyone. Day by day, I began to think that God gives me a long path compared to everyone else but within the journey, I gained something important. Friends, experience, motivation, satisfaction.

You are an amazing young lady Mima. Keep your dreams alive. Never give up. You will achieve everything you want, because you're enjoying the journey.

Mima shared another of her favorite videos with me. You can see what Mima fills her mind with... the good stuff in life. Click HERE to view.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

A330 Overweight Landing Continues

2012-01-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me the difference between company procedures and manufacturer procedures. I’ve worked for 8 airlines, and maybe one day the two will match. But operationally speaking, it’s nice to know what our planes can do, performance wise, from the people who build them. With the great fortune to live in Seattle, I have local access to the best of the best Boeing people.

But flying the Airbus, I reach beyond my neighborhood and consult with Airbus representatives, a senior Airbus Check-airman, and miscellaneous Captains—my team.

I’m thankful to have the opportunity to consult with them on actual operations of various performance issues, and captain decision-making questions. Brainstorming before the event is always a good idea.

One of these issues is:

Overweight landing, and the need to perform an auto-land, or not.

The verdict is:

Airbus says, "there is no need to perform an auto-land with an overweight landing."

This is good to know. It would be a shame to not take advantage of a long runway because the ILS was down. A long runway with a heavy airplane is always the best.

Then, there is also the choice between low verses medium auto-brakes. I was reminded that the autobrake setting is a deceleration rate. The heavier the plane, the system will be using more brake pressure to stop at the same “decel” rate as when lighter. Noting since we have a higher approach speed, it takes more distance to slow down at the same rate.

The recommendation is: If you have enough runway, use low. Or even click the brakes off after touchdown doing the initial slowdown solely with reverse, so that the brake cooling time will be minimized and you can be on your way.”

One thing to keep in mind is for medical emergencies so you can drop off your passenger and get on your way quickly. Excellent advice.

Another question:

Does Airbus recommend managed speed for an overweight landing?

YES: Managed speed is recommended.

“There is a chance during the initial configuration that green dot speed may be higher than VFE for flaps 1 because of an over-weight condition. In this case, we recommend that the crew select speed VFE-5 kts (but not below VLS) to allow them to begin configuring. As the slats extend, VLS will reduce. Once that’s completed, the speed should be returned to managed speed.”

What Does Your Company Say?

Then there is also the question of deviating from your company procedures.

If you do something as a Captain, that is contradictory to your operations manual, but you view it as a better course of action, will you be violated? How far does your Captain authority go? If everything works out, no harm, no foul. But what if…

I think we all will do whatever it takes to save the plane if in imminent danger. But what if following the procedure is not unsafe, but in your view, a different course of action would be better. Can you do it? What will the FAA say? What will your company say? What will you say during your rug dance?

Share your thoughts, we would love to hear. And, I have the "FAA" answer to the will you be violated question. To be posted next week.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

A Pilot’s New Year’s Resolution

2012-01-11T07:53:00.000-08:00

(As wished for by an AME)

"Off the Record Q & A with a Local A.M.E."

DR. Larry

The beginning of a new year is often a time for making (and breaking) resolutions. While scanning the internet, I discovered the following resolution on a top-secret, AME chat board somewhere in cyberspace (yeah, right), and I'm sharing it now with the aviation community as a way to help build camaraderie between aviators and AME's. After all, pilots need AME's and AME's need pilots.

So if you will please say the following after me:

“I, (enter your name here), will work together with my AME to facilitate my medical certification in the most expedient manner possible. This will include filling out my FAA 8500-8 medical form online least 24 hours prior to my appointment.

I will arrive on time and bring all sets of glasses necessary to pass my vision testing.

I will be forthcoming with all necessary paperwork and doctor’s notes my AME will need to process my certification.

If I have questions regarding issues which could result in possibly delaying my certification.

I will contact my AME prior to my appointment to resolve these concerns rather than hoping they will vanish into thin air.

Furthermore, I understand my AME will do everything in his power to assist with my certification and I will (begrudgingly) understand if something unexpected arises delaying the process.

I will know my AME feels my pain and wishes his hands were not restricted by the regulations.

After my AME has waved his magic wand and pronounced my verdict, I will (begrudgingly) pay his fee, without asking for discounts and I will promote his job-saving skills to my peers.

"This I promise to do in the New Year!"

Together we can make it a win-win relationship by helping each other. Fly safe and fly healthy, my dear aviator friends, and Happy New Year!

To your good health, happiness and certification!

Dr. Larry

Please leave Dr. Larry a message that you will fulfill his New Year's wish!

"I promise Dr. Larry...but what about that pilot discount?"

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

A330 Mystery Solved

2012-01-10T00:48:00.000-08:00

What happens when you return to an airport... and plug in an approach to 27R, but you decide not to use that runway because the ILS is down, so you select the approach to 26L. But the map still indicates a line to 27R? These are the little things that can create confusion during an already busy time.

They say pictures speak louder than words... I think so.

Note: The arrival was for both runways. The end of the green line is where ATC will vector you to the runway you're landing on.

The puzzling thing was, it looked like (on the map) we were lined up on 27R on approach. I double checked that 26L was in the MCDU. I held the runway diagram and counted runways confirming we were lining up on the correct runway. We double checked that the correct frequency was tuned. We were in VMC conditions.

The question was... why this map display?

My friend at Airbus has the same philosophy as I do: It's within your network that you find the answers.

He says, " I learned long ago that it’s really about having a network of people who are a lot smarter than I am on such topics... here’s what they answered – after they both said something like, “sounds like it was a return to the departure airport to me”

"This would be a normal display (technically speaking) if the flight departed from 27R and landed on 26L.

Although the departure threshold is sequenced in the FMS at Take-Off, it remains displayed on ND for the rest of the flight. However one does not frequently have an opportunity to see this, as generally you are landing at a Destination airport different from the Origin airport. 27R appears to be white on the ND, which would again suggest that it was just displaying the departure runway.

Looking at the scale that the ND is set at, my guess is that the two runways are superimposed on top of each other. In fact as they got closer and reduced their range both runways would have appeared separately – the landing runway in green and the departing runway in white. The fact that “26L” is displayed on the ND also leads me to believe that indeed runway 26L was there and would have been seen if the range were reduced."

Yes, we were landing on 26L. We departed off of 27R. But the confusion was the fact we initially programed 27R for the landing. When we changed it, it stayed on the map. So we'd thought. It really was there all the time, but we were busy being vectored. This is one of those "coincidences" they call "distractors" in training.

Thankfully VMC conditions helped confirm we were where we needed to be, as did the frequencies and the runways in front of us.

Trust but verify.

So.... I learned something interesting about Overweight Landings during this search for answers on the map. More to come on Thursday!

Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene

Monday's Motivation: Anything Is Possible.

2012-01-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

"Anything is possible if you have...
The courage to Dream
The willingness to Learn
Dedication to Persevere
Commitment to Follow Through
And you never give up!"

Karlene Petitt

August, 2009, I made a huge investment of time and money to follow my dream of writing a book by attending the Hawaii Writers' Conference. Writing a book is something that I've dreamed about for thirty years. When I finally overcame the excuses of why I didn't have time, and made a commitment, I attended my first workshop with William Bernhardt.

I took classes, attended conferences, and read books on "how to," and I wrote. I wrote for 2 years and 4 months, while reading, studying, learning a new plane, joining a new company, blogging, babysitting, watching four grandchildren being born, traveling the world, and everything else that came up in my life... I didn't quit. There were many sleepless nights, but it's so exciting to see my book ready for publication.

In five days I'll be holding my book for a proof read.

If I've done these final steps well...

Flight For Control will be available January 17.

Busy? Yes.

But the secret to success is all about dreaming, dedication, perseverance, commitment, education, follow through, and never giving up. Along the way I met many wonderful people who have enriched my life in so many ways. This has been the greatest journey, and one that I will continue on. A special thanks to my critique sisters that I met at that Hawaii Conference: Linda Gray and Heather McCorkle. Visit us on Critique Sister's Corner

How do you think I became an airline pilot?
First I dreamed and then...
Yes... anything IS possible!

Thank you all for your support, encouragement, and putting up with me during my writing journey. I'm excited for you all to read Flight for Control. But now, please take the time to read what three of my favorite authors have to say about my book.

Endorsements:

Flight For Control is a fascinating debut and a truly terrifying insider's take on the airline industry by an author who knows what she's talking about. You will not want to get on an airplane after reading Petitt's book.

Mike Lawson—Author of The Political Thriller of the Year

House Divided, House Secrets and House Justice

“A strong debut with a complex plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.”

Robert Dugoni—Lawyer and New York Times Bestselling Author of

The Jury Master, Cyanide Canary, and Damage Control

“Flight for Control is a powerhouse debut novel. Karlene Petitt combines her insider knowledge of the airline industry with her impressive writing skills to create a spellbinding thriller. Why did Flight 39 crash? Could there be more to these air disasters than meets the eye? And what can Kathryn do about it? I was hooked on the first page and never stopped reading till it was over.”

William Bernhardt—Over 10 million novels sold. Bestselling Author of

Capital Betrayal, Nemesis, and Hate Crime

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Friday Fabulous Flyer:

2012-01-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

Lauren Richardson

Lauren Richardson, alias groovy_nut on twitter, is a 24-year-old private pilot. But she’s not just any private pilot. Last year she started flying aerobatics in a Pitts Special and won both the competitions she entered.

This year she’ll be competing at the Standard level which she says, “is a whole different ball game, and something for which I’m committed to training for and giving everything I can to start to become the best pilot I possibly can.”

She recently launched her own website called The Aerobatic Project – which is in part an effort to not only show people who she is and what she’s doing in hopes of finding a sponsor, but also to help inspire more young people to get into flying. She didn’t come from money or opportunity, and she wants to show everyone that anything is possible if you’re willing to focus on reaching your goals.

Karlene: Lauren how did you get involved in competition?

Lauren: I took my first aerobatic flight at the end of 2010, with no actual intention of doing any aerobatics as it happens – ever since the very first days I started learning to fly I’d been drawn to a tiny biplane that lived in the corner of the hangar at my flying club. Eventually I found out that it was something called a Pitts Special, and I vowed there and then that one day I’d fly one. And so it was, that after a bit of a hiatus from flying I decided to get back in the air, and to treat myself to a flight in a 2-seater Pitts that happened to belong to a friend of my best friend – just a flight, no aerobatics.

Of course he took me flying and insisted we did some basic aeros – a few loops, ballistic rolls and other things. I got out of the aeroplane feeling more than a little sick, with no real idea what had just happened to me, but a feeling deep down that something major in my life had just been changed.

Several months and a few flying hours later, my friend and instructor convinced me to go and enter my first competition – I was clueless, inexperienced and absolutely terrified, wanting nothing more than to not embarrass myself. Walking away with the ‘Beginners Winner’ trophy was wholly unexpected and really did mean the world to me. The stage was set from that point on – I’d been welcomed into the fraternity and that was it!

Karlene: You’re a very driven woman. Where did you get that drive?

Lauren: I’ve always been a very driven sort of person – ever since I left school and decided to become an engineer and make my own way in the world. If I’ve ever set my mind to doing something, I’ve found a way to work hard and make it happen, and for me aerobatic flying is something I love and truly believe that given the chance, I could genuinely become good at, world class perhaps. Flying means everything to me, and whilst I have age on my side, and the ability to pick things up quickly, the time and desire to focus and commit to this I will do – I’m driven because I want to be able to look back in years to come and know that I did everything I possibly could to get to where I wanted to be, I never want to regret things I was too scared or unsure to try to do.

Karlene: Your aerobatics is quite an undertaking. Do you have a mentor?

Lauren: The aerobatic community in the UK is a small and close-knit one, and I’m happy to say that pretty much every pilot I’ve met within the scene has been keen and willing to help me in any way they can. Really though my mentors up until this point have been Paul Stanley of Altered Attitude Aerobatics as he’s the man that taught me how to fly the Pitts Special and has let me, guided me and trained me up to where I am now.

I’m also delighted and honored to be able to class Al Coutts and Wildcat Aerobatics mentors and friends of mine – their experience and guidance is proving to be invaluable – and they fly a very cool formation Pitts display!

I should also mention British Advanced Team member David Jenkins, who puts up with all manner of stupid questions from me and is yet another incredibly skilled pilot who has been and is willing to impart his experiences and wisdom to someone like me.

Karlene: I know you’ve seen it all. What have been your greatest successes? Greatest failures? What did you learn from them?

Lauren: My greatest successes would have to be, firstly passing my Skills Test and becoming a pilot – in all honesty I think that day was one of the proudest of my life. After that being sent off solo in the Pitts Special was something I’d begun to wonder if it would ever happen – the challenge of it meant that becoming a Pitts pilot, and then going off and flying aerobatics on my own for the very first time, are memories that I suspect will never fade.

Of course there were moments during the learning process that left me feeling utterly frustrated – all those bounced landings leading to go-arounds, missed approaches, mental blocks that left me unsure of where I was (let alone what I was doing), and of course my very first solo Pitts landing where I blew the flare and bounced so badly that my failure to decide to put power on and go-around led to a few seconds during which I genuinely feared I was about to crash the plane.

All of these ‘failures’ and negative moments have inspired self-assessment and made me think harder about how I make decisions and what influences when and how I choose to fly. These days, if anything doesn’t feel right, anything at all, I won’t fly – so if I sit in the cockpit and find myself repeatedly questioning myself or wondering about the state of certain parts of the airframe unnecessarily, I will choose to step out and walk away rather than fly with a part of my brain in a world elsewhere – the Pitts Special demands all of you, not just the part you think it needs.

Karlene: You haven’t been competing very long, when did you start?

Lauren: No, not long – I took part in my first competition as a ‘Beginner’ back in August 2011 click HERE to see the competition report, inc. and I qualified to compete at the ‘Standard’ or ‘Sportsman’ level in September – so my competition career really starts properly in 2012.

Karlene: Where do you hope to go with this passion?

Lauren: I want to get to a level whereby I’m good enough to fly as a part of the British team and compete on an international level – I’ve always been an athlete and for me competition aerobatics is something that just fits with my personality and is something I want to be able to fully commit myself to and train hard in. I also have ideas about getting into display flying in a couple of years time – displaying what I do, what we do, and sharing it with the public in a fun and exciting way is something I’d absolutely love to be doing.

Karlene: Is this a passion, an obsession, or the way you survive this world?

Lauren: It’s definitely a passion, and an obsession in the most positive way. For the time being The Aerobatic Project is for me a huge, huge part of my life and who I am, and I’ll run with it as far and as hard as I can.

I’m just a normal young woman and yet I’m spending more hours than the day provides on writing, putting together sponsorship packages, and approaching people in an attempt to find backing. It’s insane and encouragement makes all the difference – my goals are not the usual aviation goals – I’m not trying to become a commercial pilot, I’m trying to become an athlete and display pilot and very few people have any understanding of what that means.

Lauren tells me she’s been receiving a great deal of help from many wonderful people in the aviation community…. “Other pilots offering me help and advice, journalists offering me guidance, and assistance with the building of my site, photographers helping me capture some great images and video makers stepping forward to help me put together some brilliant films in the future … I’m sponsored by a company supplying me with HD camera equipment for my next few videos … I’ve intentions of creating pieces that demonstrate the joy and beauty of aerobatic flight at a level that is attainable for anyone willing to give it a go, and videos that explain and show maneuvers and sequences in terms that the general public can understand – all part of trying to raise more public awareness of our sport!”

Lauren has also just joined another youth project— Project Blackbird— as a role model, and she’s mentoring young Air Cadets, in particular the girls, and is really looking forward to becoming involved with them.

Please take a moment to share Lauren’s story with anyone you know that may be interested in sponsoring this dynamic young lady and her passion. To live your passion is a wonderful thing, but sometimes it doesn’t pay very well. What fuels it, is pure drive.

Keep up the great work Lauren. I'm happy to know you and wish you all the best in the world and unlimited success for you in the New Year.

Enjoy the Journey

XOX Karlene

A330: Automation and Efficiency

2012-01-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

One of the magical things about the automated airplanes is they tell you what's going on with their systems, that you might otherwise not know. This is another case where the airplane is smarter than the pilot. But is knowledge always a good thing?

Think about a departure when your tire deflates during the climb.

Now that you know... what is the best course of action? Returning to the departure station, or continuing on to destination?

In the old, non-computer, planes, you wouldn’t have known about the leak until landing, then you would land with a flat tire at destination. More than likely without incident... other than a surprise tire change.

But what if that destination happens to be a remote location, say 11 hours flight time away, and there's only one plane flying in and out daily… what happens? You ground operations until you can fly another plane in with a couple new tires. A huge economic impact. A huge impact to customer service and people's lives.

Note 1: A "couple" tires? Yes, the tire next to the deflated tire needs to be replaced too.

It makes economic and operational sense to return to landing at the departure station, get your tires changed and then press on. There are always pros and cons to every decision. Since you can’t dump fuel on the A330, you'll end up doing an overweight landing. Not a big deal.

Note 2: With an overweight landing Airbus recommends to perform an automated landing using managed speeds.

Performance charts indicate using medium brakes (verses low or high) leave plenty of landing distance even without the tire and associated brakes. But you will have overheated brakes during an overweight landing. You will have to wait until the brakes cool—delaying your departure by a couple hours.

Note 3: Maximum temperatures for departure is 300 degrees centigrade.

What's the problem with returning to the departure station besides a few overheated brakes?

A 17 hour duty day for the flight crews. With a return, this could push your next departure well into the next morning. Is it possible to be rested and your best for the second attempt at the journey? What if another more serious situation were to occur after an extended delay? Does the FAA's pending rest regulations take into account a departure, an emergency, a return, followed by a delay and a second departure? Is there a different level of fatigue with a departure and flying for 17 hours, than a departure, a return and continuation? The real question is how much rest did you have going into a night like this?

Being rested for your flight is essential. It's about being safe and responsible to yourself, your fellow crewmembers and your passengers. You never know when the unusual is about to happen, be prepared for it! Be rested!

Note 4: 17 hours awake = an alcohol level of .05.

Interesting fact: Did you know it’s possible to be awake for 24 hours without ever seeing the sun?

Life is an exhausting adventure when you're a pilot. What's the longest duty day you've ever flown? Mine was with Tower Air... 27 hours!

On a side note: What do you think I said to my Captain after we declared an emergency and returned for landing touching down at midnight?

Enjoy the Journey?

XOX Karlene

Flying with Diabetes?

2012-01-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

"Off the Record Q & A with a Local A.M.E."

DR. Larry

Dr. Larry, I worked with a pilot in the training department who was a diabetic and unable to fly. Why, if managed properly with medication, can’t a pilot fly with Diabetes? Are there different kinds? Is this something that could be completely controlled with diet? Any information you can send would be helpful.

Dr. Larry:

Great question, especially at this time of year when many of us are making the annual New Year’s resolution to get healthier, shed excess pounds and ward off disease.

The FAA actually does allow pilots to fly with diabetes, depending upon the type of diabetes (see below), the extent of control and the class of certification desired. For the record, the pilot in the training department would not be allowed a First or Second Class medical certificate if they required insulin for blood sugar control. However, they could be issued a Third Class medical certificate so long as they adhered to protocols for monitoring their blood sugar while flying and proving good control otherwise.

Diabetes mellitus is an inability to control one’s blood sugar (glucose) and comes in three types. Type 1 (T1DM) is a failure of the body to produce insulin, is typically genetically determined, often presents in childhood or young adulthood and is controlled by giving the body insulin, typically in an injectable form. It comprises only 5-10% of the diabetic population.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is far more common (90% of diabetics) and begins with insulin resistance or the body’s inability to utilize insulin adequately. This form of diabetes typically responds early on to lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, rest, etc. Even in its later stages, those changes will make a difference.

For completeness, a third type is called gestational diabetes and occurs when pregnancy brings on elevated blood sugars which may or may not require insulin for control. This typically would not be an issue for the FAA since the pregnancy itself would likely be reason not to fly.

The FAA makes a significant distinction between the types of diabetes predominately because of the volatility and difficulty of regulating one’s blood sugar in Type 1. Too little insulin and the blood sugar will be too high. Too much insulin and one will induce hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and if the blood sugar drops low enough, it can lead to lightheadedness, mental confusion and passing out, even death.

T2DM patients may be on various oral medications to help control their blood sugar levels if lifestyle alone is not enough. However, these medications have a much higher level of predictability than insulin, allowing for better consistency and performance which allows the FAA to be relatively comfortable allowing T2DM pilots to fly.

Diabetes is also monitored because it is associated with a high rate of cardiovascular, stroke and peripheral vascular disease, all things which can prevent pilots from following their passion. In fact, the diagnosis of diabetes carries the same risk for heart and stroke attack as the person who has already had a vascular event!

Yearly monitoring by the FAA via time a limited special issuance would be necessary if one reports they have diabetes and are treated with medication. Interestingly, aerospace medical research teams recently examined medical certification records and accident investigation reports of diabetic pilots. Their findings revealed that a significant number of diabetic pilots do not report or are unaware of their condition. Researchers also found that 75% of insulin-dependent diabetics were either overweight (44%) or frankly obese (31%).

If one needs additional motivation, diabetes that is reversed or controlled by lifestyle modification only (no meds) is not something needing FAA clearance.

Diabetes is a serious health issue, both in aviation and the general population. It is showing up in staggering numbers and will tax our healthcare system to the limit in the next 20 to 30 years. The best treatment is to not allow your body to start down the path. Even though the FAA will allow people to fly with the disease, it doesn’t mean it’s healthy to have it. Prevention is once again the best tool we have for keeping us airworthy.

To your good health,

Dr. Larry

A330 Flap Logic

2012-01-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

Last week I received a GREAT from Daniel concerning A330 Flap logic.

"Regarding normal flap operation: I never understood how the flaps 1 position worked on an airbus. I see the flap lever only has a "1" position, but the indicator sometimes says 1 or 1+F. So when would it have flaps in addition to slats? Is it an FMS input or system logic?”

This is a great question!

This is how the system works:

Anytime the flap lever is moved to position 1, the slats move.

The question is… when will the flaps come out?

In this photo, the flaps and slats are out… thus the 1+F. Meaning, flaps 1 has been selected, and on the left we see that slats "S" are in position 1, and on the right flaps "F" are in position 1.

If only slats were out, then we would only see 1.

In addition to the slats, the flaps will move to 1 when…

Anytime on the ground.

If we’re planning a departure, we want our flaps out, not just the slats. Airbus logic knows this and the flaps will extend too.

Anytime we’re retracting from flaps "greater than" 1, the flaps will stay at 1 until we move them to "O" position.

Sequentially this makes sense when retracting. We wouldn’t want them to go from flaps 2 to up, losing our lift, until we're ready

When won't we get flaps 1 when we select the 1 position?

When airborne and we go from a clean wing to flaps 1 selection we only get the slats. Flaps will not come out until we select flaps 2 position.

When flying this plane everyone knows that Flaps 1 on arrival doesn’t really do a whole lot for slowing their plane. Do they know why? I'm not sure how many remember that we don't even have flaps when we select 1.

So what would be a really good beer question?

In flight when you select flaps one, how many flaps come out? Answer…. ZERO.

Thanks for the great question Daniel!

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Monday Motivation...New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-02T00:05:00.001-08:00

"It is in setting goals and new
challenges for myself that I am
able to graciously move forward
in life - without cause for
hesitation or the need to ever
look back."
Eleesha~

New Year's Resolutions = Short Term Goals

This is the perfect time of year to set goals for the year. To identify what we want, and create the steps to make them happen. Put in writing and shout to the world what you want to accomplish... and then do it. There is power in making the statement, "I am going to..."

Short term goals are the stepping stones that take you to your dreams.

This year... a few of my resolutions include:

Exercise daily.
Make sleep a priority.
Write an A330 study guide.
Write Flight 007.
Sell 100,000 books.
Smile every day.
Identify the positive in everything that happens.
Complete one major project in my house a month: Tiling. Painting. New fence. Etc.

On a side note... I'm in Lagos. We had two takeoffs and two landings to get here, and a 17 hour duty day. One landing included declaring an emergency. Photos and lessons learned to come. But first, I need to find my camera cable to upload photos.

Enjoy the Journey... that's what life is all about.

XOX Karlene

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T04:49:00.000-08:00

Last night...Red-eye to Atlanta. Tonight I'm flying to Lagos. I'll be bringing in the New Year as I fly toward Africa on another adventure. Wherever you are bringing in the New Year in, enjoy!

From my family to yours...

Health, Happiness, and Success in the New Year!
May all your dreams come true,
and be exactly as you envisioned.

2012 is going to be the best!

XOX Karlene

Friday's Fabulous Flyer: Heather McCorkle

2011-12-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Heather!

Today’s Friday Flyer may not be a pilot, but she has spread her wings and is flying strong. More than flying, she is soaring to new heights. We're having a little birthday party today, and Heather is our guest of honor.

Since I write the blog… I make the rules. And today it’s time to celebrate one of our earthbound angels. Besides... angles have wings! This angel gives to everyone she meets.

Heather is an author, works in a prison, commutes a great distance daily, cares for her horses and cats, writes two blogs: Critique Sisters Corner with Linda and I, and her personal Blog Heather McCorkle. She supports and encourages other writers... I think she said that she reads 150 blogs a week. And she's writing books! Amazing. Does she have time to party? Get the chocolate out!

This Holiday Heather and her husband, Edd, joined us for a Seattle visit. Heather joined the WNBA, and flew in for our holiday meeting and a book signing. Her dedication and talent will carry her far. Oh yes...as will her wings.

Did I forget to mention that Heather recently started a business?

CP Design

Where she designs covers and promotional materials for authors!

Heather’s YA novel, The Secret Of Spruce Knoll, has recently been released as a “special” edition from Compass Press. The special part of this release is that between now and 12-12-2012 a percentage of the proceeds from every special edition sold (any format) will go toward Heather’s favorite charity to protect endangered species.

Her goal: To make at least $10,000 for the charity.

For those who have yet to read her novel, here is a taste of what you can expect.

About The Secret Of Spruce Knoll:

Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with channelers—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands. Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they~and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Now, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, who shows her being a channeler isn’t all bad. As Eren and Aiden’s relationship blooms, so does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many enemies. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that her life might be in danger, too. Only time will tell if Eren has the power to protect the people she has come to love.

And then there was book two:

Heathers second novel, Channeler's Choice, will be released February 27, 2012… and the third in the series is just around the corner. But she has a surprise brewing.

A free download!

coming soon.

It's a short channeler story, Born Of Fire, that gives you insight into Aiden's history and character that you won't find anywhere else.

Please join me in wishing Heather the greatest success with her books and the Happiest Birthday Ever! I know you will meet all your goals for the New Year, Heather!

We hope you and Edd come and Join us in Seattle again soon!

Enjoy the Journey! And celebrate your day. You deserve it.

XOX Karlene

A330 Systems ... Zero Flaps

2011-12-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

Flaps and Slats Locked ... an operational perspective with dual failures.

Photo depicts Normal operations of flaps and slats.

Dual failures...

While it may not be likely, a friend of mine did a zero flap landing on his first flight as a captain on this plane. I always say... never say never.

What would cause a Zero Flap Landing?

If both flaps and slats wingtip brakes activate, a zero flap/slat approach and landing is required. The message is: F/CTL FLAPS LOCKED and F/CTL SLATS LOCKED. These two separate problems leave you with a clean wing.

Photo depicts only locked flaps.

Another reason could be a bit more serious. If the the SFCC 1 and SFCC 2 fail, we'll see:

F/CTL FLAP SYS 1 (2) FAULT

F/CTL SLAT SYS 1 (2) FAULT

This, too, is a dual malfunction. But you won't find a procedure in your quick reference manual. Why? The probability of "never" is taken into account. But it's important to note that in this situation the flight controls will degrade to Alternate Law.

How do you know when you're in Alternate Law?

Among other reasons...look for the X's on the PFD.

The interesting thing about these flap and slat failures is that while we don’t have flaps or slats, we still must "position" the flap handle as if we did. The flap handle is used to compute the speeds on the speed tape. Where as the position of the flaps themselves are used to depict the speeds on the ECAM. Thus, ECAM speeds are correct per position of the flaps (up)—But the speed tape is not.

Why do we want to move the flap handle to "1" if we have a flap malfunction?

Go-Around on the Bus

In the Boeing aircraft we had a button to push to execute the go-around. In the Airbus we use thrust lever position to TOGA. But how does the plane know? What if we needed TOGA thrust but we aren't performing a go-around?

In the event of a Go-Around, the Airbus won’t transition to the Go-Around phase unless the flap lever is in, at least, position 1.

Airbus logic is such that if we’re applying TOGA power during an approach (flaps out)—we're telling the airplane to go-around. There is no button pushing. If flaps are up, you only get TOGA thrust and the plane stays locked on the localizer and glideslope.

Systems knowledge is essential, especially in the modern planes… despite the shift in focus. A future threat to aviation includes advanced technology and what happens when it breaks. Will the pilots know what to do if they are faced with flying their plane when they lose their automation, without the systems knowledge to back it up? What are your thoughts?

The responsibility lies within.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Wednesday Wellness: Color Blindness

2011-12-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

"Off the Record Q & A with a Local A.M.E."

DR. Larry

Question:

Dr. Larry, last I received a question about colorblindness. It appears everything in aviation is tied to color. Is it possible to fly if a person is colorblind? Is it possible for someone with normal site to become color blind later in life?

Answer:

Color blindness can be an issue if one wishes to hold a first or second class medical, or does not wish to be limited by the inability to fly at night with a third class medical.

However, depending upon the “degree” or intensity of color blindness, one can obtain a medical waiver that says they are good to go if they pass certain criteria.

One of the tricks can be finding a color vision test they can pass with regularity (it can be different between examiners because we have a number of different options to use) if they are able to pass any of them. This is info about color vision restriction from LeftSeat.com
but it doesn’t say what is necessary if one fails the AME or eye doctor tests.

To see the FAA’s Decision Criteria for those how have failed their screening color vision tests and it does vary according to class of medical click HERE

To read the official and lengthy FAA standards paper which goes into all the reasons and requirements when one is color blind click HERE.

Finally, one little ditty that I only learned a couple of years ago:

People can become color blind over time.

I used to not think so but it’s true. I believe it’s more common for it to happen when someone is borderline, kind of like color carpets fading in sunlight over time. The take away message from this is, if one is borderline and struggles with passing the color vision test, perhaps it’s best to try to obtain a permanent waiver early on because they will otherwise be tested every exam for the rest of their lives, and to not pass it in older years could have significant impacts.

To your Good Health!

Dr Larry

A330 Training Tuesday

2011-12-27T00:05:00.000-08:00

One of the differences between “old” Boeing and the Airbus include how to manage approaches.

The good old days, in the Boeing, I remember flying a VOR approach. An ILS. A NDB. A localizer—oh wait, the localizer was actually an ILS with the glideslope inop. But times they have changed. While the new Boeing aircraft have changed with the times too...today, it’s all about the Bus.

Today… NDB, RNAV, VOR, LOC...

The confusion is actually in the terminology. Flying them is simple. There are "two" types of approaches: LOC NAV and APP NAV.

The thing to remember is that Airbus approaches are all “NAV” approaches. They also must be contained in the database— LOC NAV and APPR NAV. LOC NAV includes the LOC, LOC B/C, and the LDA without a glideslope. Remember... if you're going to fly a LOC approach, you need the "LOC" approach in the data base. Not the ILS.

LOC NAV

The LOC NAV approach is just that… a localizer. There is no mystery with this approach. The approach uses the localizer signal for lateral navigation and we fly the vertical path.

The question is… how do we get her to descend? The answer… Follow the "donut"— the magenta circle that provides guidance on the vertical path. The approach chart displays the FPA (Flight Path Angle). We set that number on the FCU, and pull the FPA knob when it’s time to descend, adjusting as necessary.

Reminders:

When setting the altitude in the FCU, set the rounded up MDA. This prevents the ALT * problem during the descent and her trying to level off early.
The autopilot doesn’t disconnect at 50 feet—you have to do it.
To avoid nuisance glideslope warnings, you’ll want to disengage the system by pressing the GPWS G/S MODE button.

APP NAV

The APP NAV is a little more complicated to remember what approach this belongs to, but a whole lot easier to fly. It’s just like flying an ILS.

Why is it complicated to remember? It's not really. Just the terminology. APPR NAV includes, the NDB, VOR, and RNAV approaches—one approach is all encompassing...perhaps its so simple it gets confusing?

The approach NAV captures a glide “path” that is represented by a magenta brick. Somewhat like a glideslope.

The blue descent arrow, on the ND—(FINAL APP) indicates where the brick will intercept the path. There are always rules and this one is important—you must see FINAL APP on the FMA before descending below the FAF altitude. That makes sense. You’re not going to fly the approach if the system isn’t working.

Reminders for the APP NAV:

There is no need to set the MDA in the FCU and round up because once the brick is captured, it’s locked on, and won’t ALT * and level off prematurely.
The autopilot will automatically disconnect at 50 feet below the MDA.

Tonight I’ll be practicing these approaches and more. Anything you’d like to know… leave me a comment, and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll find out tonight.

Enjoy the journey!

And remember... these are the good old days.

XOX Karlene

Discipline + Courage = Success

2011-12-26T00:05:00.000-08:00

"Let me be willing to strive
courageously towards success
and embrace all disciplines
- that are required to get me there."

~ Eleesha

I am headed to Minneapolis today for recurrent training. Sim time 1800 on the 27th and 28th. Watch me strive courageously toward success and embrace the discipline to study without getting on my computer for the next two days ... exactly what I need for success.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T19:35:00.000-08:00

From my family to yours, we hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

Happy Holidays!

XOXO Karlene

Friday Fabulous Flyer:

2011-12-23T00:05:00.000-08:00

Aisling Tarpey

Aisling is sixteen years old and growing up in a small town in West Ireland. She’s in her fourth year at the local secondary school, and will graduate... sitting her Leaving Certificate... in 2013.

Her future: To become an airline pilot.

This year my holiday wish is that Aisling will find the means to achieve her dream of becoming a pilot. She is one dedicated young lady who is focused and flying open throttle toward her dreams. I know she will achieve whatever she sets her heart to... and her heart is in the sky.

Karlene: Sixteen years old and you already know what you want to do, and are going after it full speed. Have you always wanted to fly?

Aisling: One of my earliest memories is being questioned what my future career would be. I automatically answered that I would be a Garda (police force) as my Mam and Dad had already followed that route. During the past two years I have found myself being interrogated and challenged about my career, only to stumble and exclaim "I don't know what I would like to do". The truth is that I do know what I want to do, I am going to be a pilot.

Karlene: How in the world did you decided to become a pilot?

Aisling: The thought of being a pilot has been whizzing around in my head since the age of six, when I was brought on my first holiday. It was a short hop from Dublin to Edinburgh, but Ryanair has seemed to leave a lasting impression on me. While in the apartment, I remember staring out the window watching the vast amount of different liveries as they descended to the threshold. I remember the feeling of excitement distinctly, what an amazing job it would be to be a pilot.

Karlene: Six-years-old is very young to think about flying. You wanted to become a pilot, but earlier you said you didn’t know until a year ago. What happened in between that time?

Aisling: My interest in aviation was developed even further when I took my first trip to America in 2004 at the age of seven. I stood mesmerized by this big bird with a bright green Shamrock staring me back in the face at Shannon Airport. We landed in Boston, and I felt a sense of reluctance leaving the aircraft. Although I continued to fly to Boston every year, my interest somewhat diminished. I dismissed the idea of being a pilot because I believed there were no women pilots.

Karlene: I think that used to be a common misconception among young ladies. So what happened?

Aisling: In 2009 my dream resurfaced as I again headed for Shannon Airport. My sense of excitement flourished as my teeth began to chatter walking through the entrance. I found myself reading a page on Wikipedia about the Airbus A330 family unknown to myself. I was so engulfed that I almost missed the boarding call and we had to rush to the gate! I started out the window, as if this was a dream and I never wanted it to end. This was the beginning.

Karlene: It was just the beginning, and that fire has been burning since. You even had a chance to go into the flight deck. Can you tell us about that visit?

Aisling: In 2011, I anticipated my transatlantic flight from the moment I pressed the "Book Now" button on the Aer Lingus website. I recited my lines for the month before I took my holiday convincing myself that I wasn't going to fail. I set up a Twitter account and followed other aviators, including you. You were my inspiration. You were the first women pilot that I had discovered, and your homely feeling made me think "I can do this". The aircraft emptied and I headed through the cabin where I was greeted by the senior flight attendant. My hands were shaking and my voice was quivering. She looked in to the cockpit and said, "go ahead", as if this was no big deal. I gasped as I stared at the astonishing amount of circuit breakers and EICAS systems. I felt an amazing rush of adrenalin flood my body. This was where I was meant to be.

Karlene: I know that feeling the first time I walked in the flight deck too. I am so glad we met on twitter, and you now know that women can fly planes. Tell our readers what else you’ve been doing to pursue your dream.

Aisling: Since that day, I have established a great knowledge of aviation. I have spent two days at the local Air Traffic Control tower where I acquired information about communications and the flight school. Aviation makes up a major part of my life now, after all I intend to make it my future career. I recently spent a week at Shannon Aerospace, a maintenance facility at Shannon Airport. Most of my time was spent with the Electronics & Avionics team, where I gained a lot of useful information about the different systems on board an aircraft. I was shown an aircraft engine in detail, and I seized the opportunity to do some work on them including observing an engine being "dropped".

Karlene: What was the most inspiring thing you did at the maintenance facility?

Aisling: During my work experience, every chance that presented itself I was to be found in the cockpit of the 767. While on my own up front, I discovered that it is where I want to spend the rest of life. I felt on top of the world sitting in the both seats, as if no other seat will ever match these feelings of perplexity.

Karlene: What else have you been doing to prepare yourself, for your career in aviation?

Aisling: I have used the best tool available to me, the Internet to research my future career. I have read hopeful articles and dismissive articles, but my ambition is now at its strongest point. I am adamant to prove the doubters wrong and the believers right. I am more determined than ever, and I will continue to persevere to make my dream come true. Unfortunately, my family are not flourished with money so I must develop a rigorous saving scheme, but I am willing to do anything to fulfill my dream.

I know that I must make sacrifices along the way but I have promised myself to be compliant. It is still a fantasy for me to think that it is possible to fly a plane and be responsible for delivering great flights to returning customers, it feels as if it is all to good to be true. I pay attention to the flight radar and when I see a plane approaching my district I dash outside with my binoculars to see the livery and distinguish the type, along with imagining the controls being inputted into the autopilot system. I must attain my dream of being an airline pilot to reach self-actualization. I am fully committed to making my fantasy a reality.

Karlene: Does your family support your dreams?

Aisling: I live with my Nan, who has always persuaded me to pursue my dream no matter what obstacles get in the way. I love my family configuration and I would not be content to have it any other way. Growing up I was predominantly subject to a male environment between my home and the immense amount of sports I play. I often enjoyed spending time with the lads playing football out on the school pitch, and I guess their vibes have passed on to me. Sports was and is my life, there is not a weekend where I am not gone playing camogie or gaelic football to some destination in Ireland.

Karlene: Aisling, your Nan is a wise woman. I have no doubt you will make your dreams come true. You’re motivated, inspired and dedicated—you have passion and aren’t afraid of hard work. Keep in touch and keep dreaming... they are all within your reach.

Everyone please take a moment to leave Aisling a comment. 2 days until Christmas and there is no better gift than giving words of encouragement to someone so dedicated in following their dreams. This young lady will succeed and one day we will hear her say, “This is your Captain speaking.”

Please visit Aisling on her blog.... Aspiring to Live the Aviators Dream

Happy Holidays!

XOX Karlene

Pilots for Kids

2011-12-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year when we visit the kids at Seattle's Children's Hospital.

Pilots for kids is a group of pilots that visit the children who are the hospital during the holiday months. Today we made some little bodies smile, and I recruited a couple future pilots, too.

"This is where the picture of a cute little girl, holding her cockpit panel poster with her ladybug pillow pet. But I was just notified I cannot post it unless I had written permission. Her mother had said it was alright, but I didn't know the written rule part. She was a doll. Next time I'll know better."

Pilot Bryan and his wife Lisa even drove up from Portland to attend. That's dedication of giving of yourself during the holidays. Thank you both for making the drive.

It's a good thing my fellow pilots do each year, and I'm fortunate to have the ability to join them. Happy Holidays everyone. Thank you for the support of the children.

And today is the day we are announcing the Holiday Gift Winners. Click HERE to find out if you're on the list. Then email me your snail mail address so we can get your prizes to you.

Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.

XOX Karlene

Mental Turmoil and the Pilot

2011-12-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

"Off the Record Q & A with a Local A.M.E."

DR. Larry

Last week you spoke of distraction and the holidays. Despite the holidays, what about the distraction of airline life—Mergers, acquisitions, pay cuts, furloughs, seniority loss, loss of pensions…the list goes on. Does an AME have the ability to assess the mental health of a pilot in mental turmoil? I know that pilots can now take Prozac, but is that a long-term solution or should they take themselves off the flight line and sort out the problems. Nothing will change externally; it must be an internal solution. What’s the best way to get rid of the anger that airline life didn’t turn out like we’d planned?

Dr. Larry:

Karlene, there will always be financial issues which come up at work, pulling at our pockets, hearts and egos. It's not unique to the airline industry. Look at the economy and the unemployment rate the past couple of years and it's easy to see how these challenges affect everyone to varying degrees. Hundreds of books and theories have been put forward regarding why these issues affect some people more than others and it's beyond the scope of this post to review those reasons.

What matters is having tools in our personal toolbox to use which can pull us out of the pits when issues affect us in ways that inhibit our motivation, our joy to live and our ability to interact with others. Sometimes the pit can be so deep that our best tools aren't enough. In those situations, medications which help the neuro-chemical imbalance in our brains like Prozac or St. John's Wort, may be beneficial.

It's challenging as an AME to assess the mental health of pilots. Pilots tend to be on their best behavior when visiting their AME for fear of being grounded. They’ll avoid emotional conversation and put on their best face. They open up and asked for help only when they are ready to deal with the issues, not unlike the majority of people. Combined with the fear of losing one's income or joy and is easy to understand why emotions are stuffed. In this unhealthy scenario, action only becomes viable when a crisis mode is reached, and much like buying a car when we have to, it’s not the best time for logical and non-emotional reactions.

I don't believe there is one best way to displace anger that works for everyone. Talk therapy with a friend or counselor, is not always necessary but can be extremely helpful more often than not.

Without understanding the root cause for the anger, the intense feelings are likely to continue. Removing oneself from the cause via a low-cost vacation, sabbatical, or period of sick days can lower the burn rate.

Whatever hostilities are present are likely to be enhanced without exercise and rest as we previously discussed. Foods high in carbohydrates, refined sugars and diet sodas can affect our hormones in negative ways as well. The tools we need help us change what we can rather than what we cannot. In the end, anger is a defensive reaction. Preparing an offensive strategy in both mind and body, we can weather the onslaught of those inevitable challenges which will continue to come at us on a regular basis.

To your good health!

Dr. Larry

Tuesday Trivia

2011-12-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

Altimeter errors are greatest when flying over mountainous terrain.

Why is this so?

Come back tonight to see the answer. (It's night already... answer below.)

Olympics from the space needle.

"What are those mountains doing in the clouds?"

For all those who commented, you will be entered into the contest to win a copy of Barry Schiff’s book, Test Pilot, 1001 Things You thought you Knew about Aviation.

Check out all the exciting prizes that will given away on the 22nd by clicking HERE. You still have time to enter.

Good luck!

Happy Holidays!

XOX Karlene

Answer: Wind flowing over and around mountains results in a venturi effect much like air flowing over a wing. This causes wind speed to increase and (static) pressure to decrease, which can cause indicated altitude to be significantly greater than true altitude.

Monday Motivation: Decide and Get It!

2011-12-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

"Choose today, to
decide what it is that you
want and just go out and
get it. Not tomorrow
- but today."

Eleesha

Last Friday Jun Nishioka flew in to Seattle to stay with us for four days, on his way to Vero Beach Florida to become a pilot.

Despite the Japanese government not allowing him to attend their aviation program of his eyesight not being 20/20 without corrected lenses, Jun is still pursuing his dream to fly.

He decided what he was going to do, and he’s doing it.

There will always be reasons, obstacles, and people telling you that you can’t do something. Or the visibility is too low to fly and kids to babysit on the beautiful day. The point is, it's up to you to decide if you want it badly enough to pursue whatever it is. It's only the things you have to work the hardest for, are the same things worth having.

Be careful for what you ask… you might just get it!

On his way to Florida, Jun got to visit my life with the holiday craziness of the remodel, grandkids, and lots of busy running around. We managed to sneak in a few surprises for him too.

Saturday was a quick visit to Seattle and the Aquarium with two of the grandkids. The weather was beautiful.

Sunday we visited the Renton Airport, and Austin had planned on taking Jun up as a surprise in his floatplane ~ Thank you Austin! But the weather had dropped below VFR. Instead, Shad took Jun on a flight in BEFA's new simulator and Austin gave him a ground lesson sitting in the plane.

What have you decided to do, today?

Don't wait for tomorrow... it never comes.

Happy Holidays!

XOX Karlene

Answers for Tuesday Trivia

2011-12-17T07:03:00.001-08:00

Answers to Tuesday' Trivia:

Shorts 330/360…Sky Box
Swearingen Merlin … Texas Tube
Boeing 747 … Whale
Boeing 737 … Guppy
Britten-Norman Tri-Islander … Slobovian DC-10
Mitsubishi MU-2 … Rice Rocket
Douglas DC-9 … Jurassic Jet
Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt … Wart Hog
General Dynamics F16 … Lawn Dart
Boeing 727 … Miss Piggy

For all those who commented, you will be entered into the contest to win a copy of Barry Schiff’s book, Test Pilot, 1001 Things You thought you Knew about Aviation. Drawing to be held December 22^nd.

Good luck!

Happy Holidays!

XOX Karlene

Adam Miller: Friday Fabulous Flyer

2011-12-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we visited HangarChat—aviation's fastest growing social/connection network, and today we get to know a little more about the man behind the vision.

At forty years old, Adam Miller has been flying for only twelve years, but you’d never know it by his great accomplishments. He’s a commercial helicopter pilot who’s typed rated in the Astar, Jetranger, Hughes 500, Gazelle, and B0105.

Adam learned to fly in the Uk in Bristol and says he was, “luckily, mentored by some of the UK’s most acclaimed military and commercial pilots and operations.”

Click HERE to read more about Adam’s Eurocopter BO105: History of the HangarChat.com Helicopter.

He started flying in 1999 after a friend of his was given a flight lesson (in an airplane) for Christmas, and it reignited something in Adam that he’d wanted to do for a long time.

Dad’s Hughes 500-G

Adam’s father was a private helicopter pilot and Adam tells me, “I can remember standing on the lawn waiting for him to come in and land and hearing the thump of the rotor blades.”

He’d always wanted to fly, but it took him another twenty years to take a trial helicopter lesson and then he was hooked. He started flying in the Robinsons and then moved onto the JetRanger, Hughes 500, Gazelle and Astar.

Gazelle

“The Astar was the first helicopter I spent a lot of time in and flew it for about 3 years flying all over the UK, Ireland, USA and Bahamas.”

“Flying in Ireland was so much fun as the airspace is so quiet—if the weather was good then the scenery was amazing with green fields for miles upon miles, peat bogs and mountains—all wrapped up with the smell of roaring fires in the winter as you flew nearby to villages.”

Adam then shifted to flying airplanes and owned a Cessna 340 for a few years before he moved back to the Gazelle. Once back in the Gazelle, he took a trip down to Central America for about a year. What a dream life.

Island Landing

"Flying in Panama was an excellent opportunity where again the airspace was so quiet, however flying over the Rain Forest one moment and then landing on the deserted island just big enough to put your skids on is amazing.”

After Panama, Adam started flying the BO105, which was his first twin helicopter.

“I must say I love every second of flying it. It’s built like a truck and is so responsive with a lot of luggage room—great for carrying people who like to bring lots of bags. I had taken lots of pictures of all of these great and have started to put them on HangarChat.”

Click HERE to read more about Adam’s Eurocopter BO105: History of the HangarChat.com

“Flying is my passion and sharing that passion with others is immensely pleasurable.”

“As I traveled and flew around the world I got to see a lot of different things and meet some great people, however all my photos were on my Laptop and I didn’t share them with anyone or have the ability to easily keep in touch with the really interesting people I met or wanted to meet in aviation.”

Adam and Chuck Aaron with HangarChat BO105

“I felt like I was part of a community; however there was no structure to enable me to interact and connect on an ongoing basis.”

“All too often you meet someone on the ramp, talk for a while and never see them again – now you get to stay in touch, share your experiences expand your horizons.”

Adam, thank you for bringing HangarChat to the aviation community. I know you’ve got something great going here…keep up the great work!

Happy Holidays!

XOX Karlene

Aviation's Social Network

2011-12-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

HangarChat

What is HangarChat?

Imagine hanging out at the airport chatting with the local pilots. Then expand that thought to chatting with pilots around the world. HangarChat, at Hangarchat.com, is aviations fastest growing social connection network.

Think of Facebook meets LinkedIn, but just for Aviation.

HangarChat.com allows pilots and aviation enthusiasts to connect to each other and share their passion of flight via experiences, photos and videos. The site has been designed by pilots for pilots, and is a place to enable all aviators to meet and stay in touch with people who share and understand what it feels like to be a pilot, or part of something bigger than life ... Aviation.

HangarChat is a global community powered by the passion of flight. Whether you’re a career pilot, private pilot or just fascinated by flying there is no other place to share the joys of aviation.

Launched in 2010, by Adam Miller and Nick Miles, HangarChat has grown at a tremendous rate because people who love to fly, love to talk about flying.

The Pilots behind HangarChat

Adam and Nick

Adam Miller and Nick Miles developed the idea after their flying adventures across the USA and Central America.

Adam—who flies a BO105 as his personal aircraft— thought of the idea

“As I travelled around the world I got to see a lot of different things and meet some great people, however all my photos were on my Laptop and I didn’t share them with anyone or have the ability to easily keep in touch with the really interesting people I met.”

“All pilots love to chat in the hangar and tell their stories about what they fly, where they have flown and what they have seen. All too often you meet another pilot on the ramp, talk for a while and never see them again – now you get to stay in touch, share your experiences expand your horizons.”

Nick—who has just started to learn to fly fixed wing after hours in the cockpit of Gazelles and BO105’s—wanted to talk to other students and get another point of view from other instructors. His friends on Facebook were mostly non-aviators and didn’t understand his fascination.

“I wanted an environment where I could see what aviation has to offer in a broader spectrum – my circle of pilots was very limited to begin with as I had only really flown with Adam, despite having flown coast-to-coast across the USA, however when I started to learn to fly I seemed to be in a little bubble at the airport”

HangarChat is somewhere we can keep our photos and videos, and stay in touch with the people we meet during our aviation journeys. We even have the ability to join and set up communities for our local airports. HangarChat seriously has something for every pilot.

Today I uploaded some of my photos… it was easy. I clicked on those I wanted to upload and one additional click they all uploaded at once. I found a group called Airline Pilots...for all you want to do this for a career. I also created a group called Aviation Safety… a proactive group for those interested in keeping our industry safe. That took about 30 seconds, and now I’m awaiting approval. There are currently 126 groups to choose from, and 1626 members.

Pilots, and aviation enthusiasts, from all forms of flight, from helicopters and airplanes to gliders and balloons are welcome. Non pilots... mechanics, engineers, controllers, flight schools, FBO's, etc., are welcome.

HangarChat has so much to offer whether you are a pilot, instructor, flying club, student or a business involved in aviation.

MOM, WOWA, Renton Airport ... you must join! Victoria, this a great place to post your fly it forward event. And for my friends who want to become pilots... join my group for Commercial Airline Pilots.

HangarChat launch at airventure

Join HangarChat today to connect to share your passion of flight. I did. You’ll love it!

Enjoy the Journey! And take time to share it.

XOX Karlene

Seasonal Distraction:

2011-12-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

A Pilot's Enemy During the Holidays!

"Off the Record Q & A with a Local A.M.E."

DR. Larry

Dr. Larry,

December 8, 1972; United Air Lines 737-200, Flight 553; Midway Airport, Chicago—crew stalled their plane and crashed.

January 13, 1982; Air Florida 737-200, Washington DC—crew forgot to turn on deicing, didn’t identify the need for more power and crashed in the Potomac.

December 20, 1995; American Airlines 757 inbound Cali Columbia—Lack of situational awareness and procedures, crashed into a mountain.

December 20, 2008; Continental Airlines 737-500; Flight 1404; Denver, CO—The aircraft skidded across a taxiway during takeoff in Houston.

December 28, 1978; United Air Lines DC8; Flight 173; Portland, OR—crew ran the plane out of gas over a landing gear indication.

December 29 2009; American Airlines 737-800; Flight 331; Kingston, Jamaica—Crew landed during a rainstorm and couldn’t stop, crashing off the end of the runway.

Last week you discussed depression, but what about distraction? It’s no mystery that accidents happen during the holiday months. Could there be a correlation to holiday distraction and the accident rate? Mental fitness is as equally, or more important, as physical fitness. What can pilot do to be safe during the holidays, or any time during stress?

Dr. Larry says:

Karlene, it would not surprise me to learn aviation incidents occur at a higher rate around the winter holidays than at other times of the year because the level of stress and anxiety is often much higher at this time. People try to do more, schedules become altered, sleep is affected and fatigue becomes a significant player.

Confusion and poor decision-making are consequences of being tired. Reaction times are slower and our ability to stay on task is compromised. Distractibility occurs more readily when fatigue is present and it’s easy to be overwhelmed with projects and obligations.

Holidays also create a plethora of visual, auditory and physical stimuli such as lights, ads, horns, crowds, traffic, etc. Too much “noise” of any kind and our minds become saturated causing our attention to fade.

How then to protect against distraction and mental meltdowns?

Mental acuity is the combination of preparation, alertness and fitness. Did you know the brain, like our muscles, can be conditioned and strengthened? Ongoing research centers like the Cleveland Heart-Brain Institute. confirm the regular practice of brain games and challenging our learning capacity leads to better outcomes when the brain is injured, as in strokes, heart attacks and concussions. Like running on a treadmill, the better the conditioning, the longer the staying power, and the same holds true for alertness.

Being well rested is job one. Caffeine and other stimulants may speed up metabolism and increase mental alertness but its benefits wear off and what’s left is often below standards. Maintain hydration, minimize alcohol, push the veggies and fruits and avoid the temptation to over eat. As in flying, peak performance will be affected if weighted down.

In aviation and most endeavors, planning and preparation predict successful outcomes. Avoid over-scheduling. Anxiety is a consequence of tight timelines. Make a list of tasks to accomplish and be realistic with what is possible. Resist the temptation to do it all. Guaranteed, there’s a price to pay.

Create personal boundaries and don’t be afraid to say no. Lose the guilt complex and do what is healthy for yourself and your immediate family. Pay attention to signs of anxiety, irritability and irrational behavior. Ask yourself why you are behaving badly. Stop and rebalance. Mandate time for yourself, even if it’s 5 to 10 minutes of meditation or deep breathing a couple times a day.

For all the excitement, noise and confusion, the holiday season is a beautiful time of year. Be prepared, practice gratitude, wellness and patience, and you will automatically minimize the potential calamities of the season.

Happy and healthy holidays to all!

Dr. Larry

Thank you Dr. Larry! I am working on gratitude, wellness, and patience. My friends say I need to work on saying, "no." Maybe a New Years resolution for that one.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Tuesday Trivia and a Special Day

2011-12-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

Pilots, Controllers, and mechanics refer to various aircraft using descriptive nicknames!

Take a guess at the nicknames for the following aircraft...

Shorts 330/360

Swearingen Merlin

Boeing 747

Boeing 737

Britten-Norman Tri-Islander

Mitsubishi MU-2

Douglas DC-9

Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt

General Dynamics F16

Boeing 727

You don’t have to be right, but you will be entered into the contest to win a copy of Barry Schiff’s book, Test Pilot, 1001 Things You thought you Knew about Aviation. Drawing to be held December 22^nd.

Oh... and the answers will be posted Saturday December 17th.

"Answers have been posted. Click HERE for quick access to the page."

But first... how fast can a year fly? It flashes by with a blink of an eye. It feels like only yesterday when I baked a cake for An and Hans' birthday. This year, I'm a bit overloaded so the baking was done by snatching last years photo the share the memory. Another year older. Another year wiser. Remember, you both get better with age.

Happy Holidays! Happy Birthday! Happy Day!

XOX Karlene

Flight To Success

Mike Coe

Thank you!

FLIGHT FOR CONTROL!

General Aviation verses Airline Flying

Monday Motivation: You Can't Fail

Nina Anderson

Up In The Air... News Flash!

8500-8 Goes Paperless

How To Be A Captain

February 4th: You're all Invited!

Do it Before It's too Late

Norah O'Neill

Norah's favorite airplane, the Classic 747, 1981

Norah with children Cammie and Bren at 2009 Forest of Friendship induction

Wearing her favorite uniform, the cat pajamas in MD-11 cockpit over China 2002

Norah wearing her 747 flying through northern lights dress while meeting her favorite band IL Divo

Tired of Driving When You Could Be Flying?

Flying With Crap

A330: FMGEC. MCDU. FCU.

Rise to the Challenge

PILOT JOB POSTING:

Bernice “Bee” Falk Haydu

A330 Terminology: It’s All Foreign

Does Plastic Surgery Count?

Pilots' Personality

Monday Motivation

Happy Birthday Dr. King

Friday Fabulous Flyer: Mima

A330 Overweight Landing Continues

A Pilot’s New Year’s Resolution

A330 Mystery Solved

Monday's Motivation: Anything Is Possible.

Friday Fabulous Flyer:

A330: Automation and Efficiency

Flying with Diabetes?

A330 Flap Logic

Monday Motivation...New Year's Resolutions

This is the perfect time of year to set goals for the year. To identify what we want, and create the steps to make them happen. Put in writing and shout to the world what you want to accomplish... and then do it. There is power in making the statement, "I am going to..."

Short term goals are the stepping stones that take you to your dreams.

This year... a few of my resolutions include:

Exercise daily.Make sleep a priority.Write an A330 study guide. Write Flight 007.Sell 100,000 books. Smile every day.Identify the positive in everything that happens. Complete one major project in my house a month: Tiling. Painting. New fence. Etc.

Happy New Year!

Friday's Fabulous Flyer: Heather McCorkle

A330 Systems ... Zero Flaps

Wednesday Wellness: Color Blindness

A330 Training Tuesday

Discipline + Courage = Success

Merry Christmas!

Friday Fabulous Flyer:

Pilots for Kids

Mental Turmoil and the Pilot

Tuesday Trivia

Monday Motivation: Decide and Get It!

Answers for Tuesday Trivia

Adam Miller: Friday Fabulous Flyer

Aviation's Social Network

Seasonal Distraction:

Tuesday Trivia and a Special Day

Exercise daily.
Make sleep a priority.
Write an A330 study guide.
Write Flight 007.
Sell 100,000 books.
Smile every day.
Identify the positive in everything that happens.
Complete one major project in my house a month: Tiling. Painting. New fence. Etc.