What made you take the leap to become a pilot? What was that pivotal moment? I was probably 13 years old at the time. My best friend's uncle was a pilot for Braniff Airlines, and he just seemed larger than life to us. My friend wanted to be an airline pilot too, but at the time I was more focused on Oceanography and Marine Biology. Then I was invited to attend a celebration for one of my classmates at a hotel very close to O'Hare airport. It was nighttime and I stepped outside and was mesmerized by all the jets on final approach. They were so low to the ground; I could look up and see the passengers through the windows, the roar of the engines and the visuals was such an epiphany, it struck me, right then and there, that that was what I had to do with my life, I would become a pilot, too.
When did you first fly in an airplane? One of the first trips I took was when I graduated from high school a semester early and spent 6 weeks in Brazil. I was exposed to a new language and culture which I found fascinating. I already knew I wanted to be a pilot, but that trip reinforced how much I wanted a career where I could get out there and see the world. What is the biggest misconception people have about flying/being a pilot? The biggest misconception people have is that it's all automated, that we just turn on the computers and push a button that says, Paris or London... Automation is just a tool that helps us do our job. But all takeoffs and most of the landings are hand-flown. And all the decision making and strategizing still requires human intervention. Another misconception is that when we fly a trip, we're going on a mini vacation. It sometimes sounds glamorous, but the time-zone changes make it very hard to get enough sleep. It's common to cross the Atlantic 10 times one month, and then fly to Hong Kong the next week. Someone recently asked me if my job was serene. I had to laugh; that's probably the last word I'd use to describe it. And we miss so much of our children's lives growing up. What makes a good pilot? In terms of skills and temperament? And what makes you a good pilot? Pilots have to have quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination. Multi-tasking is essential. A calm, easy going temperament is helpful too, especially working as a crew member. Over time, pilots develop a 6th sense that keeps them out of trouble. It's a very conservative, cautious way of operating. We always have a back up plan for our back up plan, and that keeps us safe. I think what makes me a good captain is the respect I have for my colleagues. I don't try to do it all myself. My motto is, "surround yourself with talent and sit back."
When a pilot dies we say he flies west one final time. But what if he just retires? I prefer to think of flying south, to the Caribbean!
I just had two major milestones occur last week, retiring from an amazing career with United Airlines, and turning 65, the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots. Over forty years and 30,000 hours in the air. Enough memories to write a book!
I hope all of you are well and healthy. Who could have predicted what happened to the world this past year. My favorite trips are European and I remember the state of shock to read the news that all flights between the U.S. and Europe were cancelled. United management responded by filling our 787s and 777s with cargo instead. And now we're flying the vaccine. One 777 can carry over a million doses.
Yes, it's been a nostalgic few weeks for me. I miss all those layovers in Paris when I was writing Sticks in the Clouds. I'd take my notebook and two pens (in case one failed, I'd still have a backup, such a pilot thing) to the little green bench in the Parc du Champ-de-Mars, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. I'd stare at the blank sheet of paper and hope for the best. And if I was lucky, after 800 words or so, I'd head over to the Cafe Beaujolais at 28 Avenue de Suffren for a steak au poivre and a glass of Bordeaux.
It's ironic, I've been privileged to fly the most advanced airplanes all over the world and yet, it was those lean, hungry years in the beginning that stand out as most special in my mind. We were a band of brothers, flying small 19 passenger turbo-props for low pay, and no frills in wicked weather. All we had to keep us going was the dream. A lot of those memories were the inspiration for Sticks.
I am happy to report that Sticks in the Clouds recently received a 4 star out of 4 star review by OnlineBookClub.org and will be featured as the book of the day on May 6th.
One of the most important themes that I hope shines through in the book is how important it is to follow your dreams. To see them through to the end and have faith. Then Lady Luck is most surely bound to arrive.
All the best wishes to you.
Will
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