Flight To Success

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

Monday Motivation: Forgiveness

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

"With forgiveness, I take the first step
towards letting go of all things
that no longer serve ~ any purpose."

Eleesha

It's human nature to place blame for our feelings of angst, frustration, and disappointment in others because they didn't behave as we expected. Placing blame enables us to make our feelings of discomfort the fault of someone else, instead of owning those feelings. We can focus on something tangible... like being angry at them for their ruining our lives!

With the holidays ~ and the approaching new year ~ come expectations of what we think life should be - the families and life we wish we had. The Norman Rockwell Christmas that should have been. The goals we didn't meet. The dreams that didn't manifest. It's so much easier to make all that the fault of someone else.

People do impact our lives. They make decisions and do things that we don't believe were in our best interest. Recently I had an electrician pull a scam on my office wiring, causing me thousands of dollars. I'm not rolling over, but I'm also not living into the anger and allowing him to ruin my day. I know that there is a lesson to be learned here, and I'm listening.

To give anyone else power by being angry at them, is enabling them to control your life. I choose to be in control. I choose not to allow my mind not to focus on the negative of what other people do, or don't do. I don't have enough time or energy. There is only one way to live a healthy life: Forgiveness.

Forgive those people that haunt your brain. Let go of the anger for their taking advantage of you, lack of support, not behaving or being the people you think they should have been. When those people cross your mind, mentally send them a blessing, a wish, or a kind thought that they find their path. Then let it go. Talk about a healing moment.

This post is dedicated to those who are facing disappointments in others, frustration of how they think the country, health care, or businesses should be run, who should support them, anger with their family and friends... and all those who are finding the holidays a difficult time.

Take a moment and forgive those you feel have harmed you. Then let it go. Forgiveness doesn't make them right, it just enables you to live a mentally and physically healthy life.

Happy Holidays!

XOX Karlene

David Walker: Friday's Fabulous Flyer

2011-12-09T06:57:00.001-08:00

I'm doing a blog sway today... a first for me, and fun.

Please welcome David Walker to Flight to Success. I know you'll enjoy his story as much as I did. David proves that a successful flight is one that we walk away from, and that lessons learned should be shared.

After you've read his story... you can find one of mine on his blog at David's Thoughts and Ideas.

David:

My private pilot’s license was about two weeks old when I left Oklahoma City to fly to Bozeman, Montana, to visit my sister and her family in nearby Three Forks. On the return trip, after a long day of fighting mountain-induced turbulence and heavy winds at an airspeed of maybe 125 miles per hour in the Cherokee 140, I decided to stop for the night in Lamar, Colorado, instead of pushing on home.

Prices back in 1974 were a bit different from now, and one of the things I remember about that overnight stay is that it was the first time I ever paid over ten dollars for a steak. The Cow Palace was a new motel at the time, and both the accommodations and the steak were excellent.

When I got out to the airport the next morning, I faced skies almost obscured by a thin cloud layer about 500 feet above ground level. I stewed for a few minutes about what to do, but I was already a day overdue getting back, and I decided to take off. I could see a couple of holes big enough to climb through, so I would be legal.

FSS told me the cloud cover went most of the way to Oklahoma City. Skies there were clear, but it was possible the cloud cover would extend there in the next few hours. At a distance of around 330 miles, the trip would take me close to three hours. I could be on the ground there before noon.

The takeoff and climbout were uneventful, and I was soon VFR on top. I set my VOR receiver on 118 degrees “FROM” to head for the Liberal, Kansas, VOR, noticing that the cloud cover extended as far as I could see in any direction. I began to wonder what I’d do if I got to Oklahoma City and couldn’t see the ground there.

Within minutes I decided to go back to Lamar and wait for the sky to clear, which it was predicted to do in an hour or two. As I headed back, I remembered a very tall radio tower several miles southeast of the airport, so I decided to stay west of my course to be sure of missing it.

Strangely, as I drifted to the left, which should have had my course on the VOR receiver to my right, it actually moved to my left. Startled, and keeping that tower in mind, I turned more to the west. The needle showed me more to the right. What was going on?

I was beginning to panic about that time. I saw ground through a hole in the clouds ahead of me, but was it safe to descend? Where was that radio tower? Why was my VOR receiver moving wrong?

About that time I noticed the receiver read “FROM.” I’d forgotten to reset it when I turned around. I quickly switched it and saw that I was indeed well west of the course, which was great. I had avoided the tower, and the Lamar airport is a bit west of a 298 degree heading to the VOR.

By this time I was rattled by the events of the last few minutes, and when I got to the hole in the cloud I almost dived down. Once VFR below, I saw the airport directly ahead of me and headed for a straight-in landing.

Trouble is, I’d forgotten I took off to the south into a bit of headwind. Now, landing from the south, I had that wind behind me. I got on the ground, but the increase groundspeed from the tailwind caused me to run beyond the end of the runway and onto some rocks that punctured one of the tires.

By the time I got the tire changed and was ready to go, the cloud cover had lifted, and I had a pleasant trip the rest of the way home. In retrospect, I was never in actual danger that morning, since I did stay away from the radio tower, but I did scare myself to death, particularly after almost killing several family members on the trip up to Montana.

I wondered afterward what the limit is for pilot stupidity on one trip.

David N. Walker is a Christian father and grandfather, a grounded pilot and a near-scratch golfer who had to give up the game because of shoulder problems. A graduate of Duke University, he spent 42 years as a health insurance agent. Most of that career was spent in Texas, but for a few years he traveled many other states. He started writing about 20 years ago, and has six unpublished novels to use as primers on how NOT to write fiction. Since his retirement from insurance a few years ago, he has devoted his time to helping Kristen Lamb start Warrior Writers' Boot Camp and trying to learn how to write a successful novel himself.

Thank you David. And if you would like to read my pilot stupidity story, it all started when I was nineteen years old and... Oh wait! You have to pop on over to David's blog to read why I almost killed myself in a plane by clicking David's Thoughts and Ideas.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Where Have You Been?

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

As a pilot, I've traveled the world...

"I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and coworkers.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!"

And, sometimes I think I am in Vincible but life shows me I am not!

I have been in Deepshit many times; the older I get, the easier it is to get there."

Thank you Kathy for making me smile tonight during my time over Whelming. You're the best.

Where have you been?

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Stress and the Holidays:

2011-12-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

Pilots Aren't Exempt!

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

DR. Larry

Dr. Larry, reports show that the winter months and the holiday season cause stress for a lot of people—stress that many have a difficult time coping with. Pilots may fly over the moon, but they are not exempt from depression. Especially when so many miss the holidays at home with their families. Relationship problems can ensue when a spouse complains that the other is never home. The pilot (or flight attendant) misses seeing the kids open their gifts each year.

My question is this: How does a pilot identify if they are suffering from depression that may require help? What are the signs, and what should they do? The problem I see is denial of the situation.

Correct! Denial is a big part of the problem, especially for personalities that are solution-driven and built for toughness. As pilots and doctors, we are brainwashed to put aside emotions and fix problems. This requires us to ignore the human factor, which is all fine and dandy so long as it’s about someone else. However, when we’re personally involved, internal conflicts arise, breeding confusion and discontent. Irritability, sadness, sleep disturbances, absences, difficulty concentrating or loss of interest are all manifestations of the conflict within.

As the cycle continues and the gap widens between what we want to do and what we have to do, symptoms escalate to frustration, anger or rage, or complete withdrawal with feelings of hopelessness. All are signs of depression. Sound like union negotiations? At its core, it’s no different than any other area of conflict.

When “the system” inhibits us from expressing our feelings, we become trapped and depression deepens. Hopelessness eliminates our ability to move forward. “What’s the use?” becomes the slogan of the day. Does this need to happen? Absolutely not, which is not to say there won’t be dilemmas to address. How then do we go about preventing the downward spiral which all too often leads to relationship and health issues?

It begins with awareness and acceptance. As with most things, if we don’t recognize a problem exists, then we can’t address it. And what do we call that? Denial! Isn’t this why we are taught to pay attention to our airplane’s instruments? Avoiding reality forces us into the imaginary world where we truly have no control.

Admitting to ourselves we don’t feel right is crucial, even if we don’t know why. It’s important to listen to what others are telling us about ourselves, too. It’s easy to dismiss what we don’t want to hear yet it’s exactly those things we need to address. Ignoring issues doesn’t make them go away.

Over the past couple of decades in both aviation and medicine, conflict resolution has become part of the corporate culture. Prior to this concept when people were afraid to say something, bad things happened. By acknowledging the best outcomes depend on it, we learned how to avert disasters by talking about our concerns in a non-threatening environment. If we can do this for the business, we surely can do this for ourselves, and in fact, we are getting better.

We’ve come a long way. Pilot culture was built around the public’s desire for fearless and take-no-prisoner behavior. There simply wasn’t room for emotion and sensitivity. Depression was a word never uttered in public. Pilots could be grounded for admitting they were dealing with depression. Medication for depression was an absolute disqualifier. Not any longer.

Now, by acknowledging symptoms of the blues or depression exist, we allow ourselves the opportunity to explore and address those very things which bring us down.

Start by making sure the uncomfortable feelings are not due to a metabolic disorder, such as low hormones or thyroid, Vitamin D deficiency or anemia. Get a checkup. Correcting these types of problems can make all the difference in how one deals with the world around them.

Lastly, do you remember the owner’s manual for being a parent? Trick question because there isn’t one and figuring out our emotions is similar. Our challenge is magnified if we didn’t acquire the tools growing up. We can fly by the seat of our pants or ask for assistance and it’s so much easier to learn to fly with instruction. Plenty of well qualified counselors are available to help us understand our reactions to the myriad of challenges we are confronted with. Take advantage of one. Talk about it. Learn new lessons. Go to school on yourself. Take control or the control will be taken from you. For your own peace of mind and body, do TQI (total quality improvement) and don’t put your head in the sand and think it’ll all go away someday. Or sadly, it might.

To your good health,

Dr. Larry

Postscript: Depression among pilots is common. In a 2006 study by the National Center for Health Statistics, one out of 20 people in the United States suffered from some level of depression. There are over 500,000 active pilots in the United States. When you do the math, you’ll see there are a lot of silent sufferers.

For further information on depression, visit these websites:

National Institute of Mental Health

Mayo Clinic / depression

Santa Express

2011-12-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

This morning I did bounces, alias three takeoffs and landings, in the simulator in Minneapolis, and then back to Seattle in time for the Santa Express. (Or so I thought)

Travel Update: Thanks to a great instructor, he not only gave me some excellent flying tips, an engine failure, and a high energy approach... he got me out of the simulator with 5 minutes to spare, for the 8 a.m. van. But... the van no-showed! At 8:20, the nicest man, Ken, had just arrived to work and said, "I'll give you a ride to the airport." We got chatting and missed our exit, but he still got me there in time. I rushed to the gate and boarded. We fit my suitcase in the overhead. Yeah. Then the man in 14C gave me his aisle seat. Is this my lucky day? I'm now going to make it for boarding the Santa Express.

Santa Delivers more that Gifts!

The Excitement never ends. We landed early, but ended up waiting 3o minutes for our gate, at which time my phone rang, "Mom, Kayla is in labor!" My daughter was off to the hospital. Long story short... I made it to the hospital with 15 minutes to spare and watched my youngest grandchild enter the world. Miss Ellis Kathryn landed at at 9 pounds 2 ounces, and 21 inches long. Healthy. Alert. Beautiful.

Ellis Kathryn Wopschall

My plan for the early flight so I wouldn't be late or Santa express was with good intention. But the detour well worth it. I flew over to pick up my grandson, alias big brother, and bring him home with Grandma. We spent an extra 40 minutes in traffic. He was such a great passenger, I didn't have the heart to tell him world is about to be turned upside down. That little sister is strong.

Miles Richard Wopschall... alias big brother

We may have missed boarding, but Miles and I finally made it to the North Pole~ and with plenty of time to see the arrival of the Santa Express!

What is the Santa Express?

Christina Wallace, Regional Ops Manager of Flight Operations, West Region, Delta Air Lines, had been busy playing Santa for 115 under-privileged kids in the Seattle area. She's been selling these really cool silver, 747 NWA key chains. The proceeds went to purchasing a book for each of these kids, to take on their flight... The Santa Express!

Additional sales then went to getting each child a $10 gift card. What a great cause... supporting children and reading, too. I went a little overboard in the purchasing department, but it was for a great cause.

The Flight...

The Santa Express departed SeaTac airport and flew to the North Pole with 115 children on board. Each child received a bag of goodies... They each got a book and their gift-cards, wings, treats, Delta baseball hats and more. This night was full of magic.

How does magic like this happen?

The 767 departed the gate, and taxied around the airport for 30...40...50.. minutes. Then they arrived at the hangar, alias North Pole, and gave these kids the gift of a lifetime.

A special thanks to the women behind the Santa Express and the North Pole Event... Kim Cook, Christina Dumas, and Tammy Aguilar. The pulled off an incredible feat with Christmas decorations, a choir, and Santa too!

Oh... back to those key chains... All you have to do is follow this blog, and leave a comment on this post and you'll be entered in a drawing to receive one of three of these key chains. A NWA collectors item. You'll know that the key chain came from a place of giving, and provided smiles on many children tonight.

Remember to leave a comment. Trust me, this is one gift you'll want to receive. This will be a Christmas that these kids will remember always, and you'll be part of it.

Drawing to be held on December 22nd!

What do you plan to do this year to make someones Christmas bright? Christmas is about giving... your heart, a smile... hope.

Happy Holidays!

XOX Karlene

Tis the Season to be Jolly!

2011-12-05T05:25:00.000-08:00

"Let me not be anxious this
day, because in the grip of my
anxiety, all that I wish to achieve
- is made elusive to me."

Eleesha

The holidays are upon us, and while it’s the time for joy, what often happens is we get so busy trying to make everything perfect that in the midst of the holiday bustle, many of us feel stressed and anxious. For those who are writing, working, flying, and trying to keep up with their normal life, this time of year can sometimes be overwhelming.

Happy 21st Birthday Christine!

For me, I try to focus on one thing at a time and not look at all the Christmas ornaments I’m juggling. I remind myself that everything will get done, as it should in the right time. Christmas will come and the smiles we can hold throughout will make it perfect.

Today I’m flying to Minneapolis for bounces at 0600 on Tuesday. Then after my sim session, I’ll be running to the airport to fly back to Seattle in time for the SANTA EXPRESS! 65 minutes from simulator to departure, but if I miss that flight... I'll have a five hour sit and then be landing 30 minutes after the activities begin. The 115 children will be checking in, and that should take about an hour. I'll make it.

Santa Express... what’s that you ask? You’ll have to come back tomorrow and find out. More holiday gifts... this time from Flight To Success to you!

Happy Holidays!

XOX Karlene

Charlie Hewitt: Friday Fabulous Flyer!

2011-12-02T05:33:00.000-08:00

And Fly Right Films...

Charlie Hewitt

A few months ago I had the great opportunity to meet Charlie Hewitt at the Museum of Flight in Seattle Washington. Charlie and his crew were visiting Seattle to film some footage of work they were doing for Bob Yerex and Max Viz

Chris, Kirby, Charlie, and Steve
Fly Right Crew in Seattle

Charlie Hewitt, Fly Right Films Producer, is not only a film producer, but he’s a pilot, entrepreneur, father, and talented musician. He’s now flying around Alaska creating movies to improve aviation safety. His story is amazing, and Charlie an inspiration... proving that creativity and flying can meld into the perfect combination of learning.

Everyone needs a great copilot and Charlie found his in California in 1983 when he met Chris Jules, who is now Charlie's Co-producer. But long before they had a film production company, they had a band together which took them on many adventures.

Charlie... Rock 'n Roll Christmas party for Mirror Studios 2010

Both sang, and with Charlie on the guitar and Chris on the piano, they performed live as well as running their recording studio—Mirror Studios. While they were performing at "The Whales Tail," at the Hotel Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska, Charlie met his future bride Mary, and moving North became the obvious next destination on his journey.

Charlie playing for Mary's birthday.

After moving to Alaska, in 1990, Charlie became Production Manager, and then Director of Booking at the Anchorage Performing Arts Center (PAC). He rented a small retail space below the Center where he and Chris transformed the space into a great-sounding studio where they continued to write songs and work on their music. When a drummer working in the PAC ticket office came knocking on their door with the desire to record his band—Mirror Studios' Alaska location was on its way.

What does he do in his spare time? Works on projects. Here he's laying a hardwood floor in his cabin in Big Lake. I'm wondering... what spare time?

In search of more space, in 1998 Charlie moved the studio to Mid-town Anchorage. With Chris based in California, Charlie took advantage of the most advanced technology enabling both studios to share files and projects while working apart. Mirror Studios expanded, working on projects ranging from music, to corporate/commercial audio as well as sound for film. Most recently, the many film projects coming to Alaska to take advantage of their film tax incentive have meant additional opportunities for this growing studio.

Charlie performing with his son, Nico, at the Mirror Studios Christmas Party. Apparently this company holiday party is like none you've ever been to.

But Charlie is a pilot! How did this recording music genius get into flying?

Charlie had flown when he was a kid, and airplanes had always been a passion for him. But he realized that aviation is more than a need in Alaska, it’s a necessity—Charlie's adventures as a pilot began with a cold call to Roger Motzko, the Runway Safety Manager for the FAA. He also knows the power of storytelling. As Charlie would say, “It is the act of storytelling, that underpins everything I do. Whether as a songwriter/performer or a filmmaker, that need to communicate, to tell a story, goes back to the core of each one of us.”

It became clear to Roger that Charlie's skills in film and storytelling could communicate things the FAA wanted to say, but couldn't address them directly via "the letter of the law." Thus, Fly Right Films’, The Runway Safety Series was born:

Face to Face Eye to Eye Heads Up, Hold Short, Fly Right Are available by clicking: Safety/Videos

All three films, including Listen up, Read Back, Fly Right, have also been made available to watch for free on the Fly Right Films website by clicking HERE.

Congratulations! Charlie is a licensed pilot.

Working on the Runway Safety Series inspired Charlie to train for his private pilots license, which he earned on September 9th, 2004.

Charlie had been bitten by the flying bug and there was no turning back. He bought a Cirrus SR20 in October of 2005 and flew from Duluth, Minnesota to Alaska with an instructor.

When I asked Charlie, “Why the Cirrus?” He responded, “I got my private license in a Cessna, and the 172 looked like the airplane I flew 35 years ago. Nothing had changed.” He saw an article on the Cirrus and the glass cockpit and he knew that was the way he wanted to go. With a company and electronics that have evolved with the times, so should the airplane.

Charlie taking his son Nico flying after receiving his license. September 12th logbook entry: Family jaunt with Mary and Nico, Cessna 172.

In July of 2006, with 110 hours under his belt, Charlie and Chris flew to Oshkosh, Wisconsin over the Alcan Highway, Yukon Territory and British Columbia. In 2007 they made the trip again, but the projected week of thunderstorms in Calgary made discretion the better part of valor, and they flew home commercial.

Coming back in August to pick up his Cirrus, Charlie seized the opportunity to advance his pilot skills and flew with an instructor on instruments the entire way back to Alaska. He now has over 1000 hours.

In addition to cross-country flying opportunities, Oshkosh provided him the chance to get to know Dick Rutan. The idea for The Aviator Series grew from Charlie's conversations and friendship with Dick.

The idea that pilot training resources could be compelling and excellently produced, with concrete information, presented through real-life stories that literally get your heart-rate up, excited them both. Dick's experiences in combat and as an experimental test pilot definitely fit the bill to Charlie's desire and understanding of the power of story telling.

Charlie created Fly Right Films—the film division of Mirror Studios—to bring quality pilot training resources to life.

A bit about these films—they’re excellent. Not only will the viewer be riveted to their chair listening to Dick’s stories, but the choreography is breathtaking. I kept interrupting my non-pilot husband to tell him he had to “come see this.” There are so many unique aspects about these training films, and one is that Charlie is the student and Dick the instructor. All the mistakes Charlie makes, and his first time experiences are real.

I'm grateful to have met Kirby, the production coordinator, and her team. Kirby sent me Dick Rutan’s films, otherwise I may not have realized the opportunity I’d be missing. The point is, I thought these were for general aviation. And while they are, I got a great deal of information out of them for my flying as an airline pilot. So much so, I intend on watching them again. Improved safety is for everyone.

Fly Right Films' production team includes award-winning talent: Writer John Wedin, cinematographer Steve Rychetnik—he's filming the new Nicholas Cage/John Cusak flick Frozen Ground as we speak, Co-producer Chris Jules and Charlie, Producer.

Kachemak Bay, Alaska. Captain Peter (with beard), Charlie, Gary Lamar. Cinematographer/Editor, Colin Lamar (Gary's son) Jake Wedin in front (John's eldest son) John Wedin, Writer of Aviation Series films, and many others is behind the camera.

Attitude Flying Volume I was released in 2008 and Decision Making Volume II in 2009, and they are currently in early pre-production of Volume 3 of the Aviator Series. Aerobatic champion Michael Goulian will be the Master Instructor for this volume.

Charlie interviewing Dr. Najmedin Meshkati (Nejm) Meshkati is a Human Factors Expert. Charlie interviewed him for Decision Making and they became fast friends in the first 15 minutes. He's a weather of information and experience with a huge depth of insight into the ways Human factors... stress, task saturation, hunger and dehydration, tiredness, spacial disorientation, etc., influence our judgment and decision making processes.

Advice from Charlie on flying:

“General Aviation pilots: keep a logbook! It's part of the discipline of flying. You may be estimating a couple hundred hours a year by doing lots of short trips, when perhaps you may only be flying 50 or so. It's like your ATM card - write down your balance or you'll hit zero before you know it.”

“Practice with different instructors. You won't get into a routine of going over the same things all the time, but rather will be tested on less familiar skills and have information presented to you in a new way.”

“And just like in music: Practice, practice practice... fly a heads down ILS or GPS approach on a clear day with your right-seat watching out for you. It doesn't take long to get rusty; flying regularly and challenging yourself in controlled situations go a long way towards safer flying and the ability to handle the unexpected when it comes up.”

Dick Rutan and Charlie in the hangar of the Mojave spaceport with Dick's experimental Berkut plane, while he was building it.

What do you have to look forward to?

Three up and coming interviews on Flight Podcast: Charlie Hewitt, Dick Rutan, and Jill Hoffman, Dick’s daughter.

The opportunity to win “one of two” of the Fly Right Films with Dick Rutan and Charlie.

One lucky winner will receive Attitude Flying Volume I

Another lucky winner will receive Decision Making Volume II

Check back on Holiday Gifts tab on December 22nd to see if you are one of our lucky winners!

Charlie, and the entire Fly Right Team, Thank you all so much for the opportunity to get to know you, and for all that you do for aviation safety. You’re the best! I’m looking forward our trip to Australia.

Kirby... the woman who manages it all!

A special thanks to Kirby—Behind every successful man, they say there is a woman. I’m beginning to believe that with companies too. Thank you for reaching out. Your energy and enthusiasm for life and all that you do is contagious.

Thank you Charlie!

Please take the time to follow FlyRightFilms on twitter, and leave a message for an outstanding group of people. Find them on Facebook too!

Don’t forget to become part of the Flight To Success team, and leave a comment to be entered into the drawing for one of these great films.

Enjoy the Journey and have a great weekend!

XOX Karlene

A 330: Managing the Descent Phase

2011-12-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

Did you know pilots need three takeoffs and landings in the previous 90 days or they go non-current? It's true. If not, we take a visit to the simulator to get reacquainted with our charge. I'm headed there Monday.

My head is now in the books to get my mind back into the sky before my body goes into the simulator.

Did you remember that if you're more than 200 miles from the airport, and ATC descends you to a lower altitude, you'll lose your descent path indicator... ie., the Chinese glideslope?

When you descend to a lower altitude prior to 200 miles, the airplane re-cruises you at that lower altitude. Operationally this means that you are still in the cruise phase, and the decent path indicator disappears.

While there are other means to in assist descent planning, if you want this tool back in your tool kit now, all you need to do is go the performance page and put in an altitude above the altitude you're cruised at. This puts you back into the descent phase.

Another note on descending...

You're at FL340, and you're supposed to be at intersection HAPPY at 10,000 at 250 KTS, but ATC descends you to FL300. Remember the path has drawn a straight line from FL340 to HAPPY. You've just been cleared down to 300. To get the descent path indicator to provide good information you'll need to take the HAPPY constraints out. Then, when level at 300 put them back in. Your straight line, your path, will be recalculated from your present altitude to HAPPY's constraints.

Happy Flying!

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Wednesday Wellness: ECG's

2011-11-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

Dr. Larry

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

DR. Larry

Dr. Larry, I’m told ECG’s are transmitted to the FAA as they are taken. Is this true? What is an ECG? What does it show?

Answer: A heartbeat occurs when a little spark near the top of the heart causes the heart muscle to contract. Stick-on skin electrodes pick up the electrical energy as it travels down the heart muscle to the tip of the heart, creating an electrocardiogram. An electrocardiogram, or ECG or EKG, displays the rhythm, direction and energy of the heartbeat.

In the typical evaluation, known as a 12-lead ECG, the electrical pathway is viewed from 12 different positions. Like radar revealing an airplane’s course, ECGs indicate when the heartbeat deviates from the norm. Irregular heartbeats or altered pathways can indicate damaged heart muscle.

Many pilots express concern the ECG is transmitted to the FAA before it can be checked for errors, which could lead to unnecessary down time. Typically an AME obtains the ECG then reviews it with the pilot prior to sending. In our office, if we find something abnormal, we discuss its significance and if necessary, begin an evaluation to assess the potential problem. Only after this discussion do we fulfill the requirement to transmit the ECG to OKC.

Rarely will an ECG lead to a loss of license. When potential problems do appear, down time is possible while further evaluations are undertaken. When the pilot and AME work together, the pilot has the best chance of returning to work ASAP, often within the time the AME is allowed to issue a certificate – 10 to 14 days.

ECGs are required only for first-class medical exams, once after a pilot’s 35th birthday, then once every 12 months over age 40.

Here are some tips to optimize a healthy ECG:

Avoid or minimize stimulants such as caffeine and decongestants
Be as well rested as possible
Take cell phones and electrical devices out of pockets - they can create electrical interference
Relax, don’t talk or move during the ECG - it can create artifact
Have confidence the outcome will be fine - anxiety raises adrenaline and heart rate and potential for irregular beats
Don’t hesitate to ask your AME to review the ECG before transmitting to OKC.

Remember, ECGs are a reflection of one’s wellness. Keep the heart healthy with good cardio-type exercise, minimize one’s risks (cholesterol, sleep, stress, nicotine, alcohol) and the outcome should be a good one.

To your good health,

Dr. Larry.

Thank you Dr. Larry! To read more about Dr. Larry, and learn how to contact him, click HERE

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

On The FRINGE...

2011-11-29T03:25:00.001-08:00

Gregory Barton: The Golf Guy who Writes great books!

Pilots an golf just seem to go together, and for those who carry clubs around the world on their trips show a bit more dedication than most. But when you’re going to be stationed in Jakarta for a month—why not?

This is where I learned to golf. How could I not with four of the best teachers? “Your legs are too close together,” one captain said. “Your legs are too far apart,” another chimed in. “Use the power of your body as you swing,” a flight engineer added. “Make sure you look at the ball.” You know how those pilots are—always telling you how to do it better.

I had more help than I knew what do with. But despite their gallant efforts I proceeded to hook the ball—it flew to the left on the driving range. And then one of the captains’ said, “Try my clubs.” His clubs happened to be left-handed and my problem was solved. I just used them like I hit backhand on the racquetball court and it straightened out. Perfect! 110 yards—not far, but straight. For all avid golfers you know I wasn’t really swinging the club properly. I think the comment would be “more body, less arm.”

True Golf Story: A 747 Northwest Airlines captain had to give up golfing for a few years after he lost his clubs—he threw them into the water. Every golfer has a story.

Greg and his sons

What could be better than giving that golfer in your life a compilation of golf stories?

Gregory G. Barton’s book, ON THE FRINGE and other uncommon tales of golf, was a fun read. I’m thinking this may be the gift to give that person who has everything—except the perfect game.

This well written book is filled with golf stories that only a true golfer could enjoy. If you know a golfer, or you yourself swing a club, leave a comment and share your story, or just tell G.B. hello and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win an autographed book for you, or someone you love—and just in time for Christmas.

Please follow Greg on Twitter at @GGuilfordBarton He would love to hear from you.

More great news… The kindle edition of Greg’s book The Nimble Men, golf is no ordinary game, is now available. This is a single story out of the compilation of stories. Click HERE for an easy download.

Do you have a golf story you’d like to share? Leave a comment and you’ll be entered into the drawing for an autographed copy of ON THE FRINGE and other uncommon tales of golf...

Drawing to be held on December 22^nd

If you can't wait for the drawing, you can also purchase a copy of ON THE FRINGE and other uncommon tales of golf by clicking HERE.

Enjoy the Journey.

XOX Karlene

Monday Motivation: Timing

2011-11-28T00:05:00.000-08:00

"Everything Happens in Perfect Timing with the Universe"

Ever hear the saying when the stars and moon align? Maybe they have.

Last week I was given a trip that deadheaded me from Seattle to Detroit to Nagoya to sit for 48 hours. A flight to Honolulu to sit for another 35 hours, and a deadhead home. I was missing Thanksgiving, and spending 23 hours plus sitting in the back of planes around the world for a 7 hour flight.

I have a huge remodeling project going on at home. My middle daughter is due to have her baby any day. Holiday decorating is waiting. Recurrent training pending. Final edits on Flight For Control in the process... The list goes on. I didn't have time to sit on a plane! Or did I?

I finished my novel between DTW and NGO. I gave up the HNL layover and made it home in time for the first 1:30 a.m. call to babysit the big brother so my daughter could get to the hospital. (False alarm... my newest little granddaughter is in a holding pattern.) While nothing is organized at home, I managed to get the staining done after my grandson was sleeping last night.

The point is... as much as I have to do, it always gets done despite what perceived obstacles are thrown in my way.

In hindsight~ everything worked out as it should. Sometimes we have to sit back and accept when the Universe has a different plan than we do... it may just be better.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Happy Thanksgiving from Ghana

2011-11-26T00:05:00.000-08:00

"Thank you all for your giving happily to MoM all year, may your Thanksgiving day be a wonderful one.... we give thanks for you all being our friends, supporters and encourager's from the USA - you and your families!

All the best wishes possible are coming from Kpong Airfield and the Medicine on the Move Team in Ghana to you in the USA as you celebrate this special day, may it be a safe and peaceful one!

Take care and enjoy the day, we wish you were all with us over here - it is a bit warmer than 'chez vous' at this time of year!"

Jonathan Porter, Alias Captain Yaw

A wonderful message from my friends in Ghana to all...

Watch for the gift of giving party when Flight For Control is released...
We'll have a book signing event where proceeds go to Medicine On the Move...MOM... It will be spectacular! Everyone is invited. Date and location to be announced.

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Flight To Success

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

Monday Motivation: Forgiveness

David Walker: Friday's Fabulous Flyer

Where Have You Been?

Stress and the Holidays:

Santa Express

Tis the Season to be Jolly!

Charlie Hewitt: Friday Fabulous Flyer!

A 330: Managing the Descent Phase

Wednesday Wellness: ECG's

Dr. Larry

On The FRINGE...

Monday Motivation: Timing

Happy Thanksgiving from Ghana

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.