Give Your Dreams Wings to Fly

Pull your dreams into the daylight,
And give them wings to fly.
Get on that runway called life.
Then takeoff toward the sky.
The future of success is waiting.
This is “your” life, live it.

Everyone dreams. But it’s those that pull their dreams into their waking hours, who will turn them into goals. A goal—your waking dream—is a sacred thing. It can give your life motivation, inspiration and direction, or it can be the weight that hangs around your neck as you say, “someday.”

Goals shouldn’t be feared, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly either. They are your dreams that are sitting on the runway headed toward success. And all pilots know that the only reason we taxi onto the runway is if we’re ready to takeoff. Sitting on an active runway telling the tower we’re going to depart— and never do— is a dangerous place to be.

If we all dream, then why can’t we all achieve our goals? The answer is—we can. But some people think, “I can’t possibly because....” Others say, “someday I will,” but someday never comes. And there are those who tell everyone, “I’m going to…,” but never take action towards their goal because life gets in the way.

Here is the secret of the week. Life will always get in the way of your dreams. Something will always come up. Someone will always need you. Work. Family. Friends. Commitments. So what makes some people achieve success while others say they want to, and never do?

They decide, and then they take action.

Tony Robbins said, “don’t ever make a goal without taking some action toward it.” This is a powerful step, and essential if you plan on making your dreams come true. Have you scheduled your training? Signed up for school? Joined a gym? Set your alarm to wake up at 3:30 to write your novel? What do you want in your life, and what is one thing you can do toward it at this moment to move toward it?

The choice is yours. What are you waiting for?

Owen Zupp

Friday's Fabulous Flyer:

What do you get when you cross a commercial pilot who’d flown 200 fighter missions during the Korean War, with a woman who’d been a WWII radar operator?

Owen Zupp

“I was always ‘most likely’ to end up in a cockpit some where. If I wasn’t at school, I was at the local airport filling in as my father’s shadow and crawling over all and sundry airplanes.”

Owen Zupp.

Owen is a published author, journalist and commercial airline pilot. He’s got over 16,000 hours of experience, and has flown around the world and back again, and currently lives down-under in Australia.

17 years old, and he soloed. After graduation he spent years as a Paramedic. But his desire and passion to fly never wavered, as he poured his hard earned wages into renting aircraft at the local airport. His gratitude is heart-felt for a father who sat by his side, and provided instruction. “I still abide by the critical lessons he imparted in those early days and his ‘old school’ adherence to airmanship.”

Jabiru and RAAF FA-18

Owen broke into the industry he loved, and then he spent the next seven years flying anything he could while working toward his dreams. Chief Pilot, Chief Flight Instructor, Licensed Examiner, Charter operator, and Ferry Pilot. He even flew the remote islands of the Pacific.

One of Owens’ favorite memories:

“A cherished time in that early career was flying in the remote Kimberley region of northwest Australia. Living in a caravan, there was little else to do but fly and I couldn’t have been happier. I learnt so much in this time to the beautiful setting of the great Australian outback.”

Tiger at Sunset

Pilot. Author. Speaker.
Journalist. Husband. Father.

Owen is a man of many hats, and his story is one of success, adventure, hard work and joy. As a writer, I’m learning the power of first person. Please enjoy the readers-digest version of an incredible man, from his POV, and the success he’s achieved. It's hard to crunch a life into a few paragraphs, but we'll try.

“In 1994 I had to grow up and I joined a domestic airline, Ansett Australia, flying Boeing 737-300s. As was once said, “It was a great airline, but a lousy business.” So when the airline collapsed in 2001, just after 9/11, I spent a short period unemployed before joining another carrier. I spent a few years on the B747-400 on international operations, but now I’m back on the B737-800 and happy to be there.

Over the years there have been so many memorable moments aloft. I’ve been fortunate to fly a range of airplanes as I often review new types for magazines. Amongst the list of aircraft, the highlights would be flying my Tiger Moth biplane at dawn on a still morning and tearing up the skies in a dual control P-51 Mustang with a friend of mine. Obviously that first solo flight was special, but there’s something about the first solo ‘cross country’ trip that really made me think that this was all very amazing. From the flight levels I’ve seen a rocket launch out of Vandenberg that lit up the sky, just as dawn was breaking, while nature turned on its own light show as the ‘Southern Lights’ on the way back from Johannesburg. In 2010 I circumnavigated Australia in a light aircraft, a Jabiru, for charity. Over 18 days I saw the very best scenery and the most wonderful people Australia could offer.

Route Map 5th May

I’ve had a few in-flight ‘events’ over the years, but the most significant was probably when I was conducting a student pilot’s flight test in a single-engined light aircraft and the engine decided to go quiet. We were over rather inhospitable terrain known as ‘The Great Dividing Range’, but fortunately I was able to put the airplane down in a small clearing, although we had to catch a rescue helicopter home that night. Equally significant was that this near miss gave me the courage to ask out a certain young lady; now we’ve been married 15 years and have four great children.

OZ Tiger Moth

I cherish every moment that the earth has fallen away from the wheels. I enjoy the challenge of pursuing a skill that I’ll never perfect, but get a kick out of on the odd occasion I get close. Away from the cockpit I’ve completed a Masters Degree in Aviation Management and written a few hundred articles and one book. I’m a very lucky guy on so many levels and along with family; aviation has been a central theme.” Owen Zupp

Bourkey and Zuppie Temora

My shelves are filling with Aviation books, and Owen’s will have to be added.

His book Down to Earth —The story of a fighter pilot’s experiences of surviving Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, Dieppe and D-Day, has received much praise.

Review:

“Kenneth MGlashan entered the Royal Air Force as a cadet in 1939, training in aircraft such as Tiger Moths and the elegant silver biplane variants of the Hawker Hart. Flying a Hawker Hurricane fighter over the Dunkirk evacuation, he got shot down, the victim of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109; this was neither the first nor the last time he brushed against death. McGlashan carries us in the cockpit through night fighter sorties, wartime airline operations, and missions in his obvious favorite: the twin-engine de Havilland Mosquito. It is our good fortune that the flier returns from war, darkness, abysmal weather, and engine failure, and that the writer Owen Zupp listens patiently and captures McGlashan’s voice in a well-written narrative.”

The Smithsonian. Air & Space Magazine.

Please take a moment to drop by Owen Zupp’s website . You could spend hours in this fantastic aviation site, from speaking engagements to his writings, and everything in between… a must see. The photos are great too!

I’m leaving everyone with a gift, compliments of Owen Zupp. Take five minutes of your day to enjoy the video of Owen’s journey as he flew around Australia during his charity work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Owen, thank you for sharing your life with all of us, for all you do… and for your charity work too. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet you. One day in person.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Flying Fatigued:

Threat and Error Thursday:

The FAA Pilot Fatigue rule has been splashed around the world. The government has taken a serious look at the impact of our fatigued pilots. The FACT sheet explains the changes. Unfortunately they are starting in two years, not now, and for some reason the freight operators don’t seem to count.

Will these rules solve the problem?

A few questions for you:

• Is it ever possible for pilots to be rested on international flights, flying the backside of the clock and sleeping on the plane?

• The FAA’s pending regulation change includes enabling pilots to be on duty for 17 hours with four crewmembers. Two of theses pilots take their rest at the beginning of their trip... quite often, just hours after they awoke from a good night sleep. Therefore, they will not sleep during their break, and often not resting on the entire flight. Will these rules impact the fact that half the crew won't sleep during their break due to the timing?

• 17 hours awake is equivalent to an alcohol level of .05. How many pilots are flying drunk from fatigue?

• Is it possible to schedule international flight crews in a way to not be fatigued?

One of my many airlines had called me at midnight on a day off and sent me on an International trip. All pilots were called at the same hour. None of us were rested. Why did we take the trip? Kids in college. Mortgages due. Pay cuts, and unable to make ends meet. Being good company people. A multitude of reasons, take a pick. It's very hard for a pilot to say, "I can't." At that hour we have coffee, wake up, and we're good to go. But at the other end of the trip, what seemed like a good idea at the beginning, turns out to not be such a good idea.

As I read the new regulations, I wonder, “Will this prohibit those midnight calls to crew members off duty?”

While the regulation states that the crew-members have the right to say they’re fatigued, there are airlines out there that “fatigue” is called the other F-word. What sounds good on paper, isn't reality in the workplace. Besides, the corporations have a fiduciary responsibility to the stockholders. Right?

I was recently asked about commuting pilots and how we did this to ourselves. The problem is that airlines open bases, pilots move there, put their kids in schools and close the base. How often can a pilot uproot his/her family chasing the job? Then the housing crisis... who can sell their home to move anyway? Companies merge, seniority changes, positions are lost. Sometimes the commute is do to not wanting to disrupt our families any more than we have to. Sometimes it's pure financial infeasibility to move. So we commute.

I’m not sure what the answer is. What are your thoughts? How can we be the best we can be while working within the system? How would you fix this dilemma? Is it a problem?

Maybe we must realize that regulation can't fix this problem due to massive contingencies. Perhaps this should be a self monitored event. And yet, how do you turn down a trip when times are tough? A challenge.

General aviation needs to be aware of the power of fatigue as well, and not push themselves to fly in their not physically ready to.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Enjoy the Journey.

XOX Karlene

If you haven't had a chance yet, pick up a copy of Flight For Control. This question and more lurk through the pages.

NOTE: If you can't see where to comment, click on the reply on the last posted comment. Then the comment link will open below. You can click on that link, and comment box is there. Blogger. What can I say?

i Health

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

DR. Larry

Ok, I really meant “eye” health, although it is about the “i” in individual. A week doesn't go by when a pilot coming in for their physical tries to prove - to me or is it themselves - their eyes are as good as they ever were, denying they need readers or perhaps glasses to see a far.

They struggle through the eye exam, barely reading the minimums for near and distant vision, all the while holding on to their cheater glasses hoping they won't be needed. In the back of my mind, I’m wondering if they clearly see the runway signage on a rainy night.

I get this. I truly do and I’m not above this myself. It’s about not succumbing to the plague known as glasses. It's about maintaining the perception of youth while pushing father time into the background and it's about the ego.

There’s also some science to the idea that by making eye muscles contract and relax, called Visual Therapy, the lens maintains its elastic properties bringing images into focus. This concept lends credence to the notion that using glasses becomes a crutch for the lens to stiffen.

Be what it may, I’m continually amazed at the number of aviators who have either never been to an eye doctor or have not been in many years. They don’t even go with good insurance benefits for preventative eye care. This shouldn't surprise me since it's no different from the doctor-avoidance way of thinking. For these avoiders, my job is to push them.

GO SEE AN EYE DOCTOR, GET AN EYE CHECK-UP!

As an AME, I don’t care if glasses are worn or not so long as one’s visual acuity meets the standards. Not only am I grateful as a passenger when my pilots have sharp visual acuity, I'm also grateful when my pilots stay healthy in order to return for their next physical, sans problems. This is the crux of i health. Staying healthy includes the eyes and all other body parts.

It's difficult for a doc to assess eye health without the special tools optometrists and ophthalmologists possess. Checking for glaucoma, cataracts and retinal diseases are just a few of the problems which can creep up and potentially affect an aviator’s flight status, and they are not easily evaluated in a primary care setting.

Many eye problems can be prevented. Damage to sight from glaucoma (a.k.a. ocular hypertension) is controlled by medication. Cataracts can often be prevented by good UV blockade. Retinal damage may be averted with various laser or medication therapies. BUT, if we don’t look for the problems, it’s likely they will find us first, and I’m willing to bet that long after one’s flying career is over, we’d be grateful to have our eyesight, along with all our senses.

My recommendations for wellness eye exams are every three years the 30s, every two years in the 40s and every year after 50. Please don't be one who ignores their “i” (eye) for the sake of their “e” (ego).

Here’s to a healthy outlook!

Dr. Larry

Dr. Larry Greenblatt
Heart Attack, Stroke and Diabetes Prevention
Sports medicine/Family Practice
cmadoc.com

425-637-0636

Thank you Dr. Larry!

Enjoy the Journey~
XOX Karlene

Happy Valentines Day!

From the bottom of my furry little heart,
I wish you all the most lovable Valentine's Day ever!

I'm having a Valentine's Dinner party with the grandkids tonight. (parents included) Cupcakes, heart-shaped pizza, and valentines will prevail. Sprinkled with a little candy, and lots of magic too. When all the kids are here, it feels like a zoo. So much fun. I'm also receiving my hardback books this afternoon and will be autographing them to ship first thing Wednesday morning.

What are you doing special today? Whatever it is, enjoy every moment, and have a wonderful day of love.

XOX Karlene
(Fatigue post on Thursday)

What Inspires You?

Seriously, what inspires you?


What gives you the drive to wake up each morning and put one foot in front of the other? What force commits you to hours of studying? What propels you to climb out of your warm bed before sunrise preflight your plane? What makes you sit at your computer for endless hours late into the night when your bed is calling your name?

Is it a drive?
Is it dedication?
Is it genetic or learned?
Did you create it, or was it a gift?

What Inspires You?

I'm in the process of writing my next book:

FLIGHT TO SUCCESS, It's all about the Attitude.

Inspiration is huge key to success. I know what inspires me, I'm curious what drives you.

By leaving a comment, you're telling me it's okay for me to quote you in my book. If I use your words of wisdom for my inspiration chapter, I will send you an autographed copy.
To be released in Fall of 2012.

If you could sum it up in a quote of your own, what would you say?

One thing that inspires me is the motivation of others. One of the most motivating stories to me is about a little girl named Lydia, who smiles despite the pain. I've written a few posts with her struggles and her journey. Meet the young lady by looking in the left column: Love for Lydia and read her stories. And for those of you who have been following her, click HERE for her latest update.

Thank you!

Enjoy the Journey~

XOX Karlene

Mike Coe

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