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"We are the protagonists of our stories called life, and there is no limit to how high we can fly."


PHD. MBA. MHS. Type rated on A350, A330, B777, B747-400, B747-200, B757, B767, B737, B727. International Airline Pilot / Author / Speaker. Dedicated to giving the gift of wings to anyone following their dreams. Supporting Aviation Safety through training, writing, and inspiration. Fighting for Aviation Safety and Airline Employee Advocacy. Safety Culture and SMS change agent.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

If I Had One Wish For Aviation


It would be never 
to have another airliner crash!


Flying is safer than driving. But when an airline accident happens, and hundreds of lives are lost at once, it’s an event that drives pain through souls worldwide compounding the sorrow.

Passengers and flight attendants have put their lives into the hands of their pilots. We pilots have put our faith into the system—one that we depend upon to keep us proficient, trained and provide support. Airlines depend upon aircraft manufacturers to provide reliable and efficient airplanes.


If any ‘one’ piece of this matrix breaks, the other members of the team can hold it together. When two or more pieces fall apart we’ve got the perfect storm—a storm that can take down any airliner.

My philosophy in life:   
If you do not like something—fix it.


I’m a fixer and here is my plan:
  • Write a series of aviation novels inspired by real life drama of what we in the industry are living. Three women, Darby, Kathryn and Jackie, take on my fight for safety in the flight series. The series are designed to create awareness.

Flight For Control  A story about mental health in an unstable system. How far can we push a pilot before they break?


Flight For Safety  A story about automation, a downward shift in training, and what happens when pilots forget how to fly.



Flight For Survival A story about safety culture, safety management systems, and what happens when a pilot decides action needs to be taken because the industry is failing.




Flight For Sanity  Pilot error is blamed for accidents and incidents worldwide. Yet the truth runs deeper than anyone suspected. What's going on within in the industry, and the extent that management will go to destroy a pilot's career, is pure insanity.




The process continues...

Update: Started in fall 2014. 

Update: Passed Qualifying exams in August, 2016! 

  • Upgrade to captain after I finish my PhD on whatever plane I can hold on the West Coast. No commuting to the bottom for a 4th stripe for me. Life quality is essential for a happy life.

Update: Bid B777 in LAX (awaiting training). Captain bid on hold. 

  • Write book four: Fight For Sanity.  When whistle blower laws protect those who take issues externally, there is no protection for those fighting for safety on the inside.  

Update: Finished Flight For Sanity! Available Feb. 2017

  • Write book five (Non-Fiction): Fight For Safety Inside the Iron Bubble, the truth behind the flight series. 
Update: Write 5th novel: Flight For Justice, and then the Non-fiction book on the Flight For Series. 

  • Become CEO of my airline or the Secretary of the Department of Transportation: To impact change for a safety system. Airline side, to support an airline that focuses on safety as the first priority, with full support of SMS, built from a strong safety culture - reporting, flexible, learning, informed, and just - that supports diversity and full pilot support with appropriate reward for all. Government side, to create overall industry change focused on safety.

Modified Plans: 

  • To finish my PhD and 5th novel in 2017. Then after I'm on the B777, I will attend law school with the intent to change the Railway Labor Act. This 91 year old act actually inhibits aviation safety through archaic processes in a modern world. I will ensure what my character Darby Bradshaw faced in Flight For Sanity, will never happen to anyone again!

The only way we can improve anything is if we do not blindly accept mediocrity. 


The result will be a healthier work environment, pride to aviation employees, growth of an industry, and improved safety for passengers with zero accidents.



I need your help. 
The only way to do this is through awareness.

One person cannot change the world, but they can invite everyone to board the plane on a flight for safety. The only way to make my dream for aviation to come true is with your support. I’m writing novels for pilots, flight attendants and passengers alike— for anyone who loves a good thriller and mystery with a little romance. It’s just plane fun—fun with an agenda.

There is a far-reaching plan for these novels, and we’ve just begun this journey. Please join me in this flight for safety. It’s going to be one heck of a ride. 


You’re Invited on my Flight For Safety!

And to help everyone reach their dreams 
This book is for you:



You don't have to be a pilot to Be 
the Captain of Your Life!

 
Thank you for reading my novels. And please help me spread the word. Leave comments on Amazon, shout about this on your blog… We have a long flight ahead of us, but together we can make a difference.



What can you do to help aviation? 

What is your wish?

Please read the Flight series...
Flight For Control,
Flight For Safety

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

53 comments:

  1. Karlene,
    I applaud you for you taking on such a mission. It won't be without bumps in the road, but you are already well on your way and we know you can do it.

    Aviation safety is something we all have to work at every day. I like to think of it as perishable commodity that requires that we put it first in each one of our decisions and actions for it to be effective.

    Keep up the great work!
    Brent

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    1. Brent, Thank you so much. Yes... I'm expecting a few 'more' bumps...but nothing comes easy that is worth doing. I really appreciate your support!

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  2. Karlene,
    Wow, I'm impressed with your very focused goals and game plan! You would have made a great coach, lol!

    Like Brent said, there's certainly lots of potholes and resistance in the road ahead. And, you've already learned that your crusade will make enemies out there. But the bottom line is safety, so lives are truly hanging in the balance!

    Great plan, great and worthy goals! Thanks for sharing!
    Eric

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    1. Eric, Thank you so much for the comment and support. Yes... resistance is expected but that will just make me that much stronger. We fly into the wind for added lift.... so when times are toughest, I'll look forward to the extra help. :)

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  3. Good stuff Karlene. When I think about aviation safety, I think about increasing every person's awareness who is involved in the safety of flight, from the ramp service person, to the baggage loader, to the mechanics and yes, finally, to the pilots.

    If each person in that chain can fully realize the impact of their thoughts, words and actions on everyone else within their sphere of influence, then safety becomes the norm and not the exception.

    My contribution to flight safety has been and continues to be mentoring men into conscious awareness of how their unacknowledged emotions and feelings impact everything they do, not the least of which is safety.

    Much more but that's a start.

    Bert Botta, Fast Lane to Faith: A Jet Jockey's Search for Significance

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    1. Bert, Thank you for the comment. Yes, we are all intertwined in this life and build upon each others strengths. Keep up the great work with all those you are helping!

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  4. I am going to tell them Karlene is coming, and Hell is coming with her...I love that line from Tombstone.

    Seriously, I love that you are more than just a writer. I love that you have a purpose, a plan and a vision.

    If I had a wish for you, it would be just 100 or so twitter followers. But those followers be the CEOs of every Airline in the world, the leadership of the FAA and the executive councils of the pilot unions. The rest of would be better off to see the changes from the outside.

    I tell my kids that if they are going to dream, then dream in color. I am going to change that to if you are going to dream, dream in 3-D IMAX like Karlene. I am inspired.

    Best Wishes and Give Em Hell!

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    1. Lol... Thank you Rob. I always love to laugh at your comments, and appreciate them so much. I might have to steal the 3-D IMAX... priceless. Yes... I think your 100 followers would be awesome, but we will get there. Time to wake up and smell the jet fuel for sure. Thank you for joining the journey!

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  5. That is quite the ambitious, large-scale plan you've got there! Suddenly I feel like a major slacker. :-) Nevertheless, your trail-blazing will be watched by the upcoming generation, and you never know who you'll inspire. Maybe the next Rutan or Erhart! How cool is that?

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    1. Ron, you could never be called a slacker of any kind. You know, all we can do is move forward and perhaps the contrails we leave behind will inspire others. But regardless, change will happen.
      Thank you so much for your support!

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  6. Oh! BRAVO!

    You are the right person, that will be on the right place, on the right time, doing what is right.

    You MUST get there and make our skies safer. In the future, as you already know, I will join the team.

    If you want to see the rainbow you must like the rain, and everything seems impossible until it's done.


    I'm so very proud of you! Be just as bright as the sun. Actually, you already are!

    Alex.

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    1. Alex, you are part of the team! The wind beneath my wings and the future of aviation. Thank you so much for your comments and support and together we shall create change!

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  7. What a great post Karlene!

    Having you plan written out, organized, and the fact that you've already begun is not only incredible but extremely unique. It's not everyday that you get to know someone who has a mission to change the world for the better, and is going through with it.

    I can't wait to support and hopefully one day be a part of your journey to change aviation for the better,
    -Swayne

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    1. Thank you Swayne. Yes... we all say, "I'm going to..." But rarely do we do it. My belief in resolutions... tell the world about it and that will make it a reality if you are a person of your word. Keeps me focused and going.

      But... I suspect you are the same! I'm doing this for you and all students coming up through the ranks that have faith that this is an awesome job and are following your passion despite those who question you.

      Fly safe and keep the faith alive! Good things to come.

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  8. Your mission is a fantastic one, one which I believe in whole heartedly and I know you're the one person who can pull it off. You're right though, it takes a village, and I'm happy to be part of your village.

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    1. Thank you so much Heather. You have been such an inspiration and got to be at the very beginning of this journey. And it's been a fun ride. Right now... slowly going up the big hill on that roller coaster of life.

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  9. With thousands and thousands of flights.......it's going to happen....there will be accidents......unfortunately........all we can hope for is to learn at least 1 things.....we didn't know prior...!!....the first thing any one thinks......is of ....what it must have been like if the PAX knew.......they were going to crash....like those on 9/11...and the hero's........that.....said steadfast......"LETS ROLL".......!!..Thank you Karlene..for an outstanding 'post'....!!!

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    1. Oh... so true. But... without striving for perfection, we will never achieve perfection. But going for the best will get you the closest to the goal. Thank you so much for the great comment!!! And more to come....

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  10. Hi Karlene!
    Sorry I'm so behind on commenting! But I have an election to win this Monday! I'm campaigning for a political party, and as of now it looks like we will win! But I won't take anything for granted, and I will keep on campaigning through the weekend.

    I must say though, having enjoyed your first novel.. No, wait... I LOVED your first novel, I can't wait for the next to be published. I think your words will change the industry to the better. In the future, I hope that aviation related studies look to your work when conducting analysis ++. I believe in you! And the PhD! I can hardly wait for the result of your thesis and work!

    So much exciting going on! I wish you only the best in your writing, flying and education!

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    1. Whoo Hoo!!! Congratulations Cecilie! I am so excited for you too! And thank you always for your support and encouragement. Keep me posted on the election... we'll toast for you on the ship! And this movement we work toward will be a global effort one day. You are our representative from Norway!:)

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  11. A bit late to the comment party; forgive me. I'm working on my final project for school so it's almost like I've gone into hibernation.

    This is a fantastic plan! I know you are just the person to stick to it and succeed. Culture is one of the most difficult things to change, and like everything said, it will be a difficult road; but you keep going: change one mind at a time, and eventually you start a revolution.

    I'm definitely on board! Good luck and looking forward to following your journey.

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    1. Chet, thank you. It is never too late to comment. But a final paper is at the top of the list of priorities. I hope it turned out exactly as you wanted it to.

      Yes... culture is the most difficult thing to change. I had this exact conversation this week. But... we can do it! Thank you for climbing on board!!! We've got an excellent team!

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  12. As a proponent of Aviation Safety Management Systems I applaud your mission. You seem very passionate and that is the key to success!!

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    1. Thank you so much. You are right... passion is a key to success. I really appreciate your comment!

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  13. As a fellow Aviation Safety Management professional I applaud your mission. You seem very passionate which is the key to success!! good luck.

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    1. Thank you so much!! Yes... passion is a key to success!

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  14. That's amazing Karlene. Its certainly a full plate of schedule considering you still have your fulltime job at Delta.
    How do you find the time? Or more important, how do you Make the time? That's inspirational in itself.
    Cant wait till Flight for Safety.
    Nigel.

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    1. Nigel, Thank you very much. Yes... a full plate for sure and sometimes I ask myself the same question... how do I make the time.

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  15. You are doing a wonderful job .Its very interesting as we pilots know that flight safety plays a very important role in an airline and every day flying situations . All the best to you proud of you :)

    Best Wishes
    Capt.Madhusudhan

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    1. Thank you so much! And I am so sorry for the delay. I just found your post in moderation limbo. Thank you so much for the comment! And... you have to check out today too. :) http://tinyurl.com/mjjkdon
      I really appreciate your comments!

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  16. I am impressed with your achievements and drive.I am a retired airline captain,presently a SFI with a domestic carrier in India.Have been an Airforce pilot and examiner,47 yrs of flying,25000hrs.Would love to contribute to the cause of Aviation Safety in any way I can.

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    1. Thank you Kandy. You have much experience and will definitely contact you on safety issues.

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  17. Very impressed by your achievements and drive.I have e retired after 47 yrs of flying,31 in the Airforce,16 in airlines.Now a SFI on the B737NG.would love to contribute to the cause of aviation safety in any way I can.Have been an A2 QFI and examiner.

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    1. Thank you Kandy. You do have much experience.

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  18. Flight safety is an unending process.Technological developments and automation dependency have created a host of unforeseen problems particularly in awareness levels and pure flying skills.I would love to contribute my ideas to your forum.I have 47 yrs of flying,30 in the Indian Air force and the rest as an airline captain.Now a SFI on B737NG

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    1. Kandy, you correct. We know it's not going away...but we must learn how to deal with this. Thank you so much for input and I'll be looking forward to you being on the team! Thank you.

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  19. I am impressed with your blog such a successful Commander

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  20. A heck of a past - and - what will be a heck of a future! Thanks for the always great blog!!!

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    1. Thank you so much Mark! And thank "YOU" for all the great comments!!

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  21. Wish you all the best in your new journey! You are already a great inspiration for many of us in Aviation, knowing you through your blogs, books, twitter and having met you personally. More power to you, great mission to undertake with the Ph. D and to write more and make aviation safer for all. I applaud your vision and hope to support the same! Cheers!

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    1. Anup, Thank you so very much. All we need to do is spread the word and get all the readers to leave comments on Amazon. This is going to be the support I need. Thank you so much!!!

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    2. OK Great! I'll do my part on that as well.

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  22. Sis.please may the good LORD bless you in all your endeavors.

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  23. Dear Karlene I am impressed and touched by your plans to try and help improve things in the flying environment. I will try my best to do my small bit despite being just a chopper pilot. Being a fully qualified Accident and Flight Safety Investigator I am aware of a lot of SNAFUS in the Indian environment. Hope I can help. Warm regards

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment. Can you imagine if everyone did one thing? Wow...we would get there! Fly safe and thank you for doing your part!!

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  24. Dear Madame Karlene,

    With honour & respect for you, I am admitting myself as an adherent of you. For me, you are a figure far more than impressive but inspiring for all the young achievers in the near future and I am also one of them. I am very blessed and fortunate to be connected with you.

    May Almighty Allah bless you with more success, achievements, love & happiness.

    Thanks & Best Regards,
    Mahid Haider Chowdhury

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    1. Mahid, Thank you for the wonderful comment and taking the time to read this! Your support is so much appreciated!!

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  25. Hey Karlene Petitt, i have contact you in my professional Linkedin account, i hope we can in touch directly in my private email to discuss in aviation industry. Thank you in advance.

    Best reagrds,

    I m m a n u e l's

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    1. Thank you Immanuel! I will catch up on Linkedin... and we shall get in touch. My email address is on the left column of this blog too... under ask questions. Thank you so much!!

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  26. Good on you, Karlene! Here's to your continuing triumphs and success.

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    1. Thank you Dave!!! And this quarter progress was made!! Happy Thanksgiving!! http://tinyurl.com/qjoakqs

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