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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.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Powering Up Old Technology

Once upon a time, a commercial pilot was searching through his grandmother's office, and came across a very strange contraption. 

What the heck is this? He wondered. 

His grandmother was a retired airline pilot, and he often found training manuals in the form of actual books where he could read and fully understand how the aircraft operated. Today, he found something rather interesting, but he was dumbfounded as to what it was. 


"Grandmother. What is this thing?" he asked.

"An E6-B," she replied.

"Huh?"

"A Wiz Wheel." 

"Huh?" 

"It's a circular slide rule," she calmly replied. "Used for navigation." 

"Grandma, I'm still not following." He turned the instrument from front to back. How could anyone navigate with this thing?

Grandma sighed. "It's an analogue computer."

"Oh! Now I understand!" he finally exclaimed. 



A few hours later grandam retuned to her office 
and this is what she found... 



"If you know where you are, 
you will never be lost, 
because there you will be."

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Entry into a Holding Pattern


I'm diligently studying for my New Aircraft
and a friend sent me the updated version
of Holding Entries. 

Always time to lear something new!


Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Giving Tuesday!

We Need YOU! 

Donate this Giving Tuesday and give the gift of Science and Education! I challenge you to donate $10 today!! 



Help Inspire our Children
To Think, Learn, and Grow! 

XO Karlene 

Mystery Aircraft

Provides Support for Pilots! 

Air National Guard by Reddit.com


Saturday October 25th Seattle Air Traffic Controllers noticed an aircraft in their space, without a transponder. Therefore they began querying airline pilots. This completely white aircraft was identified by multiple airliners. However, when the Oregon National Guard came to action, they could see nothing. The aircraft was gone. 

Kyle Mizokami, from Popular Mechanics, stated:

"The aircraft was near Crater Lake, Oregon when air traffic controllers started asking nearby pilots about it. The aircraft was described as a white object flying north between 35,000 and 40,000 feet. At one point in the air traffic controller audio clip, one pilot says the mystery bird is 12 to 15 miles away, and distances from other aircraft ranged from four to 20 miles. Another pilot, observing the aircraft, estimates an airspeed of 370 knots, or 425 miles an hour on the ground, also noting he is not getting a TCAS transponder signal."

"Most intriguingly, (this aircraft) could not 
be picked up on radar." 

TheJouralie.com

Thus, for all those who believe that technology
can do anything pilots can do...

This is one case where
technology could not see another aircraft,
But the pilot could! 

Never Underestimate the Importance
Of your Pilot!

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

Monday, November 27, 2017

History of the L1011

Flying Strong in her day!



Join your Eastern Airlines Crew 
on the EAL Radio Show 
Episode 343

Among "Breaking News" tonight's discussion
will revolve around the L1011.


L1011 Expert will be on the Line! 

Chuck Albright


Chuck worked on the L-1011 for over 10 years at EAL. He was one of 12 mechanics out of 4000 in MIA, qualified to test run and ground taxi all of the L-1011s in EAL inventory coming out of the overhaul section in MIA.

A show you won't want to miss! 
Share your experiences
or ask questions, 
but you don't want to miss tonight!

Monday November 27, 2017
7 pm EDT

Call 213-816-1611 

Where you can either listen or talk.
Or log on to listen at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/capteddie


 Captain Neal Holland  ♦ Jim Hart 
*Captain Steve Thompson *Chuck Allbright Linda Fuller
*Captain George Jehn*Dorothy Gagnon*Don Gagnon
Will be your hosts!


Enjoy the Journey
XOX Karlene 


Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Time To Take Flight!

Inspiring Children Aviation Style! 



Once upon a time, family entertainment included visiting the airport and watching airplanes fly. Children were captivated by the imagination of flight. Today our children are playing video games and general aviation airports are not the family friendly places they once were. 

We are facing a pilot shortage 

Giving Free Flights 
to inspire our children helps... 


But it's not enough!

To grow our future generation of aviators and engineers we need to inspire them and spark their imagination early. My daughter, Kayla, has been building the Children's Museum of Central Oregon (CMCO).

CMCO is a place for children to create, explore and investigate their world through immersive hands on experiences, and as a resource for families of all types to grow and learn together. CMCO needs our help to bring an aviation exhibit to life. 


Help bring life to an exhibit 
on Flight and Physics! 

Help to inspire the next generation of aviation experts, and share your love of flight. This exhibit is composed of hands-on experiments designed to teach the basic principles of engineering and flight. This exhibit could reach over 5,000 kiddos from rural communities, which would be awesome!  CMCO is also a non-profit 501c3 and all cash donations are tax deductible for US Citizens.
The Gift of Gratitude Continues! 

I'm sponsoring the Flight and Physics program at CMCO, with your help. Wait until you see what you can get by giving the gift of Inspiring Flight and Physics: 

will get you a free Ebook
of my first Aviation Thriller!



will get you an autographed copy 
of The ABC of being me!


Will get you an autographed copy 
of a First Edition of the newest book! 

This children's book (late elementary) is written to inspire flight, with life lessons woven within the pages. However, Jungle Air is also a comedy for adults, where monkey pilots are trained to push buttons and paid with bananas. While Jungle Air is based on a true story, the animals have been changed to protect the guilty. Be the first to get your copy of this collectors edition!

(ETA January 1, 2018) 



Will enable you to schedule me
to speak at your meeting, conference, 
luncheon, or book club! 

(Flexibility with my schedule is appreciated) 


Click on: 


And Choose your Gift
and Make your donation. 

You can also donate direct any amount 
with the following link:


While the goal for the flight and physics program is $10,000, CMCO needs $30,000 to take the museum to the next level of success. Your generosity is much appreciated!


Happy Thanksgiving
To you and Your Family!



Thank you for your generosity!

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Without Precedent!

The Amazing Owen Zupp



Owen is converting back to the 747. He managed to be the first civilian to fly our air force's new PC-21. But more than that, he is writing too! Okay... newest book is being honored as the Australian Amazon website has selected Without Precedent for a one-day promotion today! 

They are selling the eBook 
for only $1.49 
for 24 hours!
A great coverage for Owen't dad's story. 

Starting on the U.S. West Coast at 0600!




"Without Precedent' is the military biography of army commando and fighter pilot, Phillip Zupp. One man who served in two very different wars. During World War Two, he saw combat on the ground in the Pacific before patrolling Hiroshima and Tokyo at the war's end. In Korea, Phillip flew 201 combat sorties amid intense ground fire and the ever-threatening MiG fighters. Peace brought an aviation career that spanned the globe and the skies above it. All the while, aviation history had overlooked this intriguing story of the search for a downed airman, a damaged jet and the first Australian Purple Heart. Until now."




to get your download for 
only $1.49!

Then Checkout all his books
At OwenZupp.Com




Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

Monday, November 20, 2017

D.B. Cooper

The mystery continues...


D.B. Cooper's 46th anniversary is this week, and the FBI released new documents. A letter from D.B. Cooper...

“I knew from the start that I wouldn’t be caught.” 

“I didn’t rob Northwest Orient because I thought it would be romantic, heroic or any of the other euphemisms that seem to attach themselves to situations of high risk." 


“I’m no modern-day Robin Hood. 
Unfortunately (I) do have only 14 months to live.”


Tonight my friends  at Eastern Airlines 
will be reliving the flight of D.B. Cooper


Join your Eastern Airlines Crew 
on the EAL Radio Show 
Episode 342

Monday November 20, 2017
7 pm EDT

Call 213-816-1611 

Where you can either listen or talk.
Or log on to listen at
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/capteddie


 Captain Neal Holland  ♦ Jim Hart 
*Captain Steve Thompson *Chuck Allbright Linda Fuller
*Captain George Jehn*Dorothy Gagnon*Don Gagnon
Will be your hosts!


Enjoy the Journey
XOX Karlene 

Friday, November 17, 2017

Brian Schiff

Friday's Fabulous Flyer 

Brian Schiff

Brian Schiff is a captain for a major US airline and is type-rated on the Boeing 727, 757, 767, DC-9 (MD-80), CL-65, LR-JET and GV. His interest in aviation safety is evident, as he regularly conducts seminars about aviation safety and teaches safety techniques to student and professional pilots alike. He believes we are all becoming a little too automation dependent, and he sent me a great video on automation reliance. A must see to acknowledge where our world is going.



With roots deeply planted in general aviation, Brian has flown a wide variety of aircraft (listed below). Variety? Wait until you see that list! His total flying time is over 19,000 hours. He also holds several flight instructor ratings and is recognized for his enthusiasm and ability to teach in way that simplifies complex procedures and concepts. He has been actively instructing since earning his flight and ground instructor certificates in 1985. 


Brian Schiff has also been an FAA-designated examiner. He attended San Jose State University, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and his Masters of Science Degree in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri.


Barry and Brian Schiff ... 
Aviation Runs in the family!


For a sample of Brian's writing, he shared an article on automation dependency that was previously published, that I'm sure you will all enjoy reading. 

Automation Dependency 
by 
Capt. Brian Schiff for Lift Magazine 



There have recently been too many accidents involving automation dependency, a pilot's over-reliance on the autopilot (and other automated systems). Modern autopilots have become so reliable that they have lulled us into a sense of complacency. Pilots have become conditioned to rely too heavily on them. The autopilot is a tool that should be utilized, not a crutch upon which to lean. 

When I began learning to fly, autopilots were so unreliable that we habitually kept a close eye on them. Even if an autopilot had a heading-hold mode, it was only regarded as a "wing-leveler," enabling a pilot to look away for only a moment or so. The Boeing 727's autopilot could be engaged in either pitch or roll mode or both. We often would disconnect only the pitch mode to manually make changes like leveling off or beginning a descent. This is because hand-flying was smoother than the autopilot. Also, the 727's antiquated autopilot could not be relied upon to level off at the preselected altitude. Some didn't even have altitude-capture capability. 


Today's autopilots are far more advanced and reliable. They rival and exceed the smooth flying of skilled pilots, so the pervasive tendency is to use them more. Excessive and reliant use of aircraft automation leads to complacency and the erosion of basic flying skills. Airline pilots, corporate pilots and general aviation pilots have become excessively dependent on automation. 

For example, while my new-hire copilot was flying the MD- 80, I made the required callout 1,000 feet prior to the target level-off altitude. He acknowledged the "one-to-go" call, but before reaching the assigned altitude, he leaned down to retrieve something from his kit-bag. He remained "heads-down" throughout the level-off. Apparently he completely trusted that the autopilot would dutifully perform as 2 programmed. He hadn't developed the healthy distrust for automation that I had. I watched this display of automation dependency with dismay. The autopilot did its job, but he never looked up to confirm it. 

To teach him not to do this, I tweaked the altitude alerter when he wasn't looking. This sounded a warning that we "busted" our altitude. His flinch accompanied by an adrenaline rush would hopefully serve to help him remember this lesson. I have seen general aviation pilots spend too much time "inside" the cockpit, distracted and fiddling with the GPS or the autopilot when they should have been looking outside. I am guilty of this as well. 


Admitting fault is the first step to correcting it. 

Sometimes, I rely so heavily on the GPS in my car, that I wouldn't be able to find my way around if it failed. Over-dependency on the autopilot during a visual approach can lead to an unstabilized approach, a leading cause of airplane accidents. Executing a visual approach using the autopilot, especially from a downwind leg, can be more complex than clicking it off and simply flying the airplane manually. 

There are two fundamental reasons for autopilot mishaps. Either the autopilot doesn’t respond as programmed, or it dutifully obeys an erroneous command. Safety is dramatically increased if both of these factors are vigilantly monitored and kept in check. A pilot's prime directive is to fly the airplane safely. This means that he or she should be proficient in operating at all levels of automation including the lowest level—hand flying. Automation should never be relied upon without constant verification and monitoring. 

While modern autopilots can do nearly everything required to safely operate a flight, there is no substitute for a well-trained, proficient pilot. The autopilot's engage switch should not be a pilot's disengage switch.


Remember that list of aircraft 
that Captain Schiff has flown?

Here you go... 

  1. Aeronca Champ 7AC 
  2. Aerospatiale Tampico 
  3. American General Tiger (AG-5) 
  4. Beechcraft Baron (BE-55) 
  5. Beechcraft Bonanza A36TC, B36TC 
  6. Beechcraft Bonanza V-35 
  7. Beechcraft Model 33 Debonair/F33A 
  8. Beechcraft Duchess (BE-76) 
  9. Beechcraft King Air C-90 
  10. Beechcraft King Air B200 
  11. Beechcraft Model 95 Travel Air 
  12. Beechcraft Sport 
  13. Beechcraft Travelair (BE-95) 
  14. Blanik (glider) 
  15. Boeing 727-100 series 
  16. Boeing 727-200 series 
  17. Boeing 757-200 series 
  18. Boeing 767-200 series 
  19. Boeing 767-300 series 
  20. Boeing Stearman (PT-17 Kaydet N2S-4) 
  21. Brittain Norman Islander 
  22. Bushmaster 2000 
  23. Canadair CRJ-700 
  24. Cessna Skyhawk (C-172) 
  25. Cessna 150/152 
  26. Cessna 172 on floats 
  27. Cessna 180 
  28. Cessna 195 
  29. Cessna 310 
  30. Cessna 421 
  31. Cessna 425 
  32. Cessna Centurion C-210/T210 
  33. Cessna Chancellor (C-414A) 
  34. Cessna Citation I (CE-501) 
  35. Cessna CutlassRG (172RG) 
  36. Cessna Skylane (C-182) 
  37. Cessna Skylane RG (182RG) 
  38. Cessna Skywagon (C-206/206T) 
  39. Cherokee 140-180 
  40. Christen Eagle 
  41. Cirrus SR22 
  42. Citabria 7GCAA, 7ECA 
  43. DC-9-10 series
  44. DC-9-30 series 
  45. DC-9-40 series
  46. DC-9-50 series 
  47. DC-9-80 series (MD-80, 82, 83/G) 
  48. Eurocopter (EC-135) 
  49. Glasair 300 
  50. Great Lakes 
  51. Grob 103 
  52. Gulfstream IV 
  53. Gulfstream 450 
  54. Gulfstream V 
  55. Learjet 24 
  56. Learjet 25 
  57. Learjet 35 
  58. Learjet 55 
  59. Lockheed L-1011 TriStar 
  60. LoPresti SwiftFury II 
  61. Merlin IIIB (SWIII) 
  62. Mooney 201 
  63. Mooney Ranger 
  64. North American T-6/SNJ Texan 
  65. P-35 
  66. Piper Apache (PA-23) 
  67. Piper Archer (PA28-181) 
  68. Piper Arrow II, III & IV (PA28-201R, 201RT) 
  69. Piper Aztec (PA-23) 
  70. Piper Cherokee Six 
  71. Piper Cheyenne II (PA31T) 
  72. Piper Comanche 250 
  73. Piper Geronimo (PA-23) 
  74. Piper J-3 Cub/Super Cub (on floats) 
  75. Piper Lance/Saratoga (PA32R) 
  76. Piper Malibu Mirage 
  77. Piper Navajo 
  78. Piper Saratoga SP 7
  79. Piper Seneca I, II & III (PA34-200/200T) 
  80. Piper Warrior (PA28-161) 
  81. Pitts S2A 
  82. Rutan Long Eze 
  83. Schweizer 233 (SGS-233A) 
  84. Siai Marchetti (SF-260C) 
  85. Siai-Marchetti SF.260TP 
  86. Stinson 
  87. Super Decathlon
  88. Taylorcraft L-2 
  89. Zenith 2000 (CH-2000) 
SIMULATOR ONLY
    90. Sabreliner
    91. Boeing 707 
    92. Space Shuttle Orbiter

To find more articles, photos, and a bunch of links 
to plane interesting stuff by Captain Brian Schiff, check out... 


Captain Brian Schiff's 



Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene 

Thursday, November 16, 2017

Free Flight To Success

Be The Captain of Your Life! 


Who says nothing in life is Free?


"I'm going to be a pilot!" 

September 23rd and 24th, we gave every young lady who said, "I'm going to be a pilot" after her flight, an autographed copy of Flight to Success be the Captain of Your Life, compliments of Jet Star Publishing. We did this to help guide our future flyers into the sky. To motivate, inspire, and hopefully give some tips on the journey we call life. We gifted two cases full! Meaning sixty new lady pilots will be joining us in the sky. A few engineers and an astronaut too!


Is for anyone who wants to be 
the captain of their life! 
(Not just for pilots)


Gift of Gratitude

In heartfelt thanks for everyone who has supported my efforts in my Ph.D. research by filling out and sharing my Survey, for all those who join our flying events and donate your time by flying or helping on the ground each year, for all of you who have supported my novels by reading and commenting, for everyone who takes your time to help another person, be it a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, a helping hand, a pat on the back, or a smile... this is for you!

Kayla 

Many of you know that I am currently in Bend with my middle daughter to help her after a serious spine surgery. While this was an incredibly challenging surgery, it was a success! And it's time to heal. But what you may not know is Dr. Kayla Wopschall is my cover illustrator, managing director of Jet Star Publishing, and illustrates the children's books too. She is also building the Non-Profit Children's Museum of Oregon.

I cannot thank everyone who has reached out and sent prayers and messages of support during this frightening time. We will be shouting more about the Children's Museum soon, as there will be some fun giveaways for supporting the museum that you will not want to miss.


Thanksgiving is next week, 
but there is no time like the present 
to feel gratitude! 

FREE 
Flight To Success 
on Kindle:

From November 16th - 20th 
Click Here 

For your Free Kindle version of Flight to Success, 
click on the link above that says
"Click Here" or you can click on the link below
with the title of the book: 

Flight to Success be the Captain of Your Life



After you read it, 
please leave a comment on Amazon.
Comments are so much appreciated. 


Please share the link to the book 
with all your friends. 

This is a gift that keeps on giving! 


Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Photograph Your Flight To Success!

The Gift of Flight Keeps on Giving! 

Al Hurt

A huge thank you to Al Hurt

Al spent his day capturing the moments of flight... 
the gift that keeps on giving.


Last week Al Hurt wrote to me and shared the link to his photography website so I could view the photos he took of our flying event. Al is obviously a talented photographer, as these photos that were taken though a fence turned out amazing. He was taking pictures because he granddaughter flew with us on the 23rd, and he created a portfolio for Auburn Mountianview High School, with over 700 photos.


September 23rd and 24th we gave girls Free Flights! And, each girl who came back with the declaration "I want to be a pilot" I gave them an autographed copy of:


Thus we created Two Cases of Female Pilots!
If you haven't seen the photos check out
the link above. 


To check out Al Hurt's work, go to: 


To Learn how to get your free copy of

Check back tomorrow! 

Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene