Made For Her

Science Fiction Romance... Have you ever heard of such a genre? I hadn't until I had the chance to help out a great author, Jessica Subject. We connected a couple years ago, and she had asked me about simulator training. She needed to create some romantic tension between the female simulator instructor, in a 737, and the student. Who better to ask than a female simulator instructor/writer? I had some fun with this. And Jessica dedicated her book to me. Thank you Jessica.

What if the flight instructor wanted to teach a cocky clone, named D32, a lesson. So she sets him up, and the simulator with a 25 knot crosswind and a slippery runway. A sneak peek into the future with clones, from Made For Her...

After D32 was cleared for takeoff, he rolled onto the runway. He applied full power. At ninety knots, she added a slippery runway then failed the engine. As she expected, he skidded off the tarmac before getting airborne.

“Fuck!” His fist met the armrest. “Seriously, why do we have to practice this shit?”

“Let me show you how it’s done. I am, after all, the best.” She grinned, removing the slippery runway and reducing the weight and wind before climbing into the seat on the right side of the cockpit. As she applied power, the speed increased. The engine failed as programmed and she pulled the plane off without even rocking the wings. Then she put the plane on autopilot and climbed out of her seat to the panel. With the plane back at the end of the runway, she reprogrammed it for another takeoff. “Okay, let’s try it again.”

“Why bother? I’m never going to get it. I might as well pack it in and head back to the labs, where I belong.”

She saw the resignation in his eyes and felt bad for setting him up. She wouldn’t let him go back to the labs, though. “Daniel never gave up, even when the odds were stacked against him. Stay calm, and I’ll coach you this time.”

She sat in the first officer’s seat. He applied thrust, preparing for another takeoff. When the engine failed, he rolled sideways off the runway and into the grass, again. “Shit, shit, shit.”

After she reset the simulator, she climbed in beside him. “Your only problem is you’re not putting in enough rudder. This time I’m going to give you the failure fifteen knots early. Don’t abort, but stay on the runway. When you get stable and straight, we’ll rotate. I’ll help you with how much rudder to use.”

“That’s not going to help me learn to do it myself.”

She’d rather see him cocky than like this. His vulnerability made him too difficult to despise. “Yes, it will. You need to get the feel. Do it once and you’ve got it.”

She leaned over and placed a hand on his thigh. He raised his eyebrows and gave her a sly grin. “Don’t get too excited. I’m just going to teach you how to get this baby up.”

“Yeah, well I have no problems getting other things up.”

She rolled her eyes, ignoring her racing heart. “Focus. When I squeeze your leg, you push the rudder to the floor. The harder I squeeze, the more you push. When I let up, you bring the rudder back out a little. Then get yourself on the center line, running straight down the runway. We’ll pull her back about one degree per second, up to ten degrees. Ready?”

He beamed. “You really are the best instructor. Do you give everyone this hands-on lesson?”

Her cheeks flushed as she squeezed his thigh. “Only you.” Why did she admit that? She wasn’t supposed to give him special treatment. General Madison had already reminded her not to get attached in any way, that all the clones would eventually leave. His warning hadn’t stopped her fantasies, though.

When Dare brought the levers up, she refocused her attention. Her hand relaxed on his thigh as he advanced them to takeoff power. “Eighty knots.”

“Check,” he said.

“One hundred knots.”

“Check.”

“Engine failure.” She squeezed hard. He pushed in the rudder. “More, harder!” A grunt escaped his lips as he complied. She lightened her grip on his thigh. “Now, take it back a little. That’s good, right there. Put that center line between your legs.”

“I’d like to put….”

“Focus! Good, now VR, rotate, slowly up to ten degrees.” 

The plane lifted off with precision. “Fuckin’ A.”

“I told you you could do it. Now gear up, and we’ll get her cleaned up.”


When I asked Jessica how she began writing Science Fiction Romance, she said.

"About four years ago, I started writing a superhero story for my daughter. But the superheroes became aliens (my fav superhero is Superman), and they lost their powers. One of my critique partners who had read that story suggested I write an alien romance for one of her publishers, and I did. I've been writing aliens ever since. In a way, it's been therapy for me, as after I watched Signs, I had a huge paranoia about aliens. With Made For Her, I wanted to do something different. Cloning is a very controversial subject, and I wanted to show a glimpse of what could happen in the future if the government resorts to human cloning for military use. "

If you want a really fun read, filled with romance, sex, and airplane stuff... that makes you wonder, what if.... check out Made For Her Available on kindle now.

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

Melting Runway

A Friend emailed me this story. I'm not sure where it came from, but I take zero credit other than sharing the story.   

Australia’s frozen Antarctic runway is melting

Australian scientists have discovered the perils of creating a multi-million dollar frozen runway in Antarctica – the airstrip is melting. 

 

• A melting surface has started to restrict the use of 
• Australia's purpose-built Wilkins glacial runway in Antarctica

The government’s Antarctic research agency is searching for an alternative aircraft landing site for planes supplying Australia’s three bases on the frozen continent after the Aus$45 million (£29 million) Wilkins runway began to disappear due to unexpected surface melt.

Australia has three stations on the icy continent - Casey, Davis and Mawson - occupied during summer months by dozens of scientists and support staff, and the Wilkins runway, which was carved into 500m of glacial blue ice four years ago, provides a vital transport link. 

The 4km (2.5 miles)-long runway, located near Australia’s Casey station, about 3400km south-west of Tasmania off the Australian mainland, was hailed when it was opened by then Environment Minister Peter Garrett in 2008 as revolutionizing the country’s scientific research capabilities. 

However a melting surface has started to restrict use of the landing strip and the Australian Antarctic Division has announced they are now looking at alternatives for fixed-wing aircraft. 

Other options being investigated by the organization include building a more expensive rock runway on the ice-free Vestfold Hills near the Davis station. 

 

 Penguins congregate on an ice floe near the runway on Wilkes Land, 

near where the Wilkins Runway is located

“During the first few years since the introduction of Australia’s airlink to Antarctica in 2007/08 our operations have, on occasions, been hampered by glacial melt at the current Wilkins runway,” a spokesperson said earlier today. 

“The Australian Antarctic Division will investigate a range of alternative or additional landing sites for fixed-wing aircraft near our three stations in Antarctica.” 

Meteorological stations have shown a temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius in the past 50 years in the Antarctic peninsula, which is roughly triple that of the global temperature rise. Planes can only land if the temperature is below minus 5 degrees Celsius. 

The Wilkins Runway is operated by Australia on Wilkes Land, in the Australian Antarctic Territory. 

It was initially predicted by the Australian Antarctic Division to provide 20-30 flights from Hobart each summer season, however only two flights were able to land over the 2010/11 season due to the runway being closed from December to February because of the melt. Four landed last season and six are planned this year. 

The Australian bases are also serviced by ship but the journey can take up to two weeks, compared to the 4.5 hour flight from Hobart in Tasmania. 

The US operates three runways in Antarctica, including an ice runway near the McMurdo Station which is constructed at the start of each summer season and is capable of handling wheeled aircraft. 

Two degrees in 50 years? 

That's enough to melt a runway.     

Have you ever landed here? 

Fear of Flying

But I want to be a pilot...

"I really want to be a pilot but whats really holding me back is the fear of flying alone... You need solo hours and I am so scared ... How can I overcome that fear? Can you please help me? That fear is holding me back from getting my private license. I don't know what to do." 

We all fear the unknown. It's understandable that you would be afraid of flying solo, since you don't know how to fly. The best suggestion I can give you is to go flying with your instructor. Learn how to fly. You will overcome your fear because your confidence of doing, will overcome your fear of the unknown. 

This is something that will take time. But the more you learn, the more you practice, the better you will become. Be safe. Be smart. Follow your passion. And watch that fear melt away. 

Have you ever been afraid of flying and became a pilot? How did you overcome your fears?

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene

Monday Motivation: Attitude

"You can't do anything about the wind.

You can't do anything about the weather.

But you can adjust the attitude of your plane."

I can't take credit for the photo... and not sure who sent it to me, but this shows the power of vortices.  

Last week I was on a flight home, 80 miles out of Seattle, and a rumble began like moderate turbulence. And then our 737 rolled about 40-45 degrees left, then back to the right about 20, and then left about 10, before the wings leveled. A plane had flown overheard and tried to flip us.

Can pilots be scared on a plane? 

Yes, when they are passengers and have no control.

I arrived home from Hawaii around midnight last night. Photos from the trip were non-existent because my camera wouldn't talk to my computer. That shall be solved later in the week. This morning, I'm on my way to Oklahoma City for some NextGen testing.

How do I manage this busy and full life? One day at a time, and with a great Attitude. We have the control of our Attitude in a plane and on the ground. 

When it's bad... Fix it!

What do you do to adjust your Attitude?

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene

Captain Luis Adelsohn

Friday's Fabulous Flyer

Luis A Adelsohn Uribe, born in Bogotá Colombia, moved to Miami with his parents to attend high school, and worked with his father in a bike store, learning business, leadership and work ethics.  His father was from Germany and mother from Colombia. In 1938 his Jewish grandparents left Germany and arrived in Colombia and sent Luis’ father to America to study in the US.

While proud of his US Citizenship, Luis has two homes—One in Miami and another in Bogata. He had been spending time in Bogata caring for his father who has recently passed away. (Luis, I am very sorry for your loss.)

Luis Memories: “I have only one brother who is two years younger than me, and I remember we traveled all the time in Braniff International to the USA . I always remember my grandmother Mutty when I was a kid she was very strict with me she only spoke in German. and showed me the values ​​and honesty and permanently taught me the concept of safety in my house all the time.”

Learning Safety doesn’t mean avoidance. His father gave him a motorcycle when he was 7 years old, but taught him how to be safe while driving. Today he’s taking that safety mentality to aviation. But when I asked Luis how he got interested in aviation, and then transitioned to safety, this is what he said:

 

“Aviation has always been my passion since I was a child I think when I was about 4 years, the planes were a imaginary for me at that time my parents and I we went so many times to the airports to see the planes when I was a kid they gave me as a gifts planes and books on Christmas and Hanuka , in my mother family there are several airline pilots approximately , I have around 15 cousins ​​altogether they work on airlines in South America Avianca and Lan Chile subsidiary in Colombia now there are flying the A 320, A 330, etc, I have another cousin who his dad is my cousin too and also she is wife both there are flight instructors too, this is also the relation with aviation since I was a child. Also I have some other cousins in the Colombian Air Force too. 

 

 After I turned 18 years old and I was free to do what I wanted, I wanted to become a military pilot of the U.S. Air Force in America, I signed up but I did not listen to my dad advices and I enrolled in a flight school in Opaloka Airport and began to study for my Private Pilot License, I flew in a C 152 and I did my first solo only with 10 hours , remember my young instructor who teach me how to fly, my first solo I did  on runway 9 R in Opaloka Airport.

After that I went to Bogota to finished my career, I wanted to fly near the mountains because in Florida is more easy flying , this opportunity gave me a good command in my Pilot Decisions as a Student Pilot , because flying around mountains at a high altitude is no like Miami at Sea level. 

 Later after that, In Colombia I have the chance to get to work and fly on an commercial airline with only 200 hours after I finished and getting my commercial pilot license, the don’t required at that time 1500 hours total fly time to get in to the airlines on the right seat, my cousins ​​who had several years working as pilots in the airlines in Colombia help me, they recommend me to start working after I approved all my tests to be a First officer at that time. I got my commercial pilot's license and flew C 152 and Piper PA 28 -140 -181.

I started very young as a First Officer with a Colombian Airline name as Aerolineas Centrales de Colombia Aces , I started as of F / O in the Twin Otter, then I flew the ATR 42, B 727-100 -200 and later when I had the experience I upgrade to be a Pilot in Command in the Twin Otter, in the photos I sent to you before you can see it. 

 

This airline went out of business after 30 years after the recession after 9/11, Aviation around the world change in percentage and was affected too.

My goal always is the concept about Safety and try to share my knowledge’s all the time with the Aviation Community.”

When I asked Luis to tell me a little more about his skills he said, "I’m a good leader and I have a lot of ideas and also a lot of goals in my life to share." Not only does he have good ideas, but he is actively pursuing them.

Luis Adelsohn is all about aviation safety. And I'm sure he thinks I've forgotten him, since it's been so long since we initially spoke. But I wanted Luis to have a solid foundation and platform in which to work, before we started shouting about him. He's created a blog that I hope everyone will visit.

 CRM Aviation Human Factors and Safety.

When I asked Captain Adelshon what his goals with aviation safety are he said,

"I have a good idea to promote and make a good campaign to work hard across the Country to organize a good marketing program and to focus all US Pilots to understand the Human Factors what that means and the Concept of Safety. And why not to try to give the idea to the FAA to promote the latest issues regarding ICAO in SMS (Flight Schools etc. )?"

Promoting Aviation Safety is a Great Idea.

Luis says, "I’m thinking that the new generation of Commercial Pilots need to understand more concerning automation and be prepare in case of any difficulties how to fly manually the airplane, analyses and applications to understand why Accidents Happen is very important , I was reading the final report of the Air France 447 and I learned a lot things what’s happening in this fatal accident. "

Luis went to TSI in Oklahoma and finished his courses in Helicopters and Airplanes last year. He met a lot of great people who inspired him, and now he is venturing out.

Do you have any Aviation Safety Questions or concerns for Luis? We'll be seeing some of his writings in the very near future. Thank you Luis for helping to keep our skies safe!

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene

Pilot In Command

Scott Nyholm is currently flying as a Dash 8 Captain in Brisbane, Australia. He's worked in charter, skydiving, and instructed at all levels during his career. And recently created and brought a product to market called Pilot in Command.

Lets hear what Scott has to say about Pilot In Command:

Through my experiences over the last few years, as a pilot myself, but also through my studies, I have been inspired to create Pilot In Command, which is an iPhone application. 

Pilot In Command lets you keep track of your flying performance, by logging the errors you are making during your flights. We all make errors, despite our best efforts, and this is true of pilots at all levels of aviation.

What Pilot in Command allows you to do is to analyse these errors, through beautifully clear color graphs which tell you key statistics about your flying performance. The app also incorporates a simple model which allows you to better understand the risks associated with the errors.

Pilot In Command will help you answer the following general questions:

• Which phase of flight you are making the most errors?
• What type of errors am I making?
• What error producing conditions am I susceptible to? E.g. Fatigue, high workload, etc.

But also, you can quickly answer specific questions about your performance, by manipulating the data, like:

• Have I reduced the number of takeoff errors this month?
• In the last 12 months, what percentage of my errors were due to stress?
• Have I reduced procedural errors since my last check?

Armed with this information, the aim of the app is that you can then make targeted changes to improve your flying. Within the app, you can set up a simple action plan. The action plan lets you set a goal, link any errors associated with the action plan, and check off when you complete your goal.

The app has a summary page which allows you to see key statistics and trending information. So even before consulting the graphs for in depth information, you can get a quick overview of your performance.

The emphasis in the data entry page is on simplicity, but also I wanted to help you in your selections, with some guidance, so that you come up with the most accurate results. Of course you can pin protect your personal data too.

By using this app, you will become more aware of your weaknesses, and therefore also your strengths, as a pilot. If you start to follow the process the app takes you through, you will be more aware of the anatomy of an error, and how to conduct risk assessments.

I invite you download Pilot In Command from the App Store, by selecting:

 Pilot In Command. 

The basic version allows you to produce graphs of the last 30 days, but upgrading allows you more flexibility in the graphing.

Please also follow me on Twitter at @Tallyhoapps, and on Facebook by searching Pilot In Command.

I would love your feedback too, via social media, or email to info@tallyhoapps.com.

The app was released on November 24th 2012, and has had around 200 downloads so far. I'm thinking this is a great concept. An error is a great thing if you can learn from it. I know I will be downloading my copy of Pilot In Command. 

If you have any questions for Scott about his program, this is the place to ask him. Not too often do we get a live chat behind such a great inventor! 

Enjoy the Journey!

~ Karlene

Flight For Control The Movie

Today is my first day of class in Maui, and I'm getting ready to put Flight For Control into a movie. 

That doesn't mean Flight For Safety is being neglected. The managing editor at Jet Star Publishing read this 500 plus mega-beast sequel, and he said, "Are you sure this is 154,000 words? This was a fast read." I am editing and making it tighter. But we've decided that we're closer than we thought. 

Today it's about the visual. About movies. About creation. And my friend Alex Wood (who can be found on twitter@AviationCenter) created an incredible book trailer. Check out the video and then like, share and, and spread the word. 

If you work in the world of aviation, (or plan to) and want to be in the Flight For Control Movie, send an email to FlightForControlTheMovie@gmail.com  This is a holding tank for when we cast the movie. During the memorial scene, all the extras will be real airline people. During the union meeting the extras will be pilots.

Today is the first step to making making dreams come true.

What are you doing to make your dreams become a reality?

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene

Flying Machine

Flying Machine

Did you know that the Goodland flying machine, a forerunner of the helicopter, was designed and patented by William Purvis and Charles Wilson of Goodland, Kansas? Purvis and Wilson built this ship around 1910. The engine was apparently too small, and the machine never flew.

From Then to Now

  

Change... sometimes it is a good thing. 

I'm in Hawaii at the Aloha Writer's Retreat. Turning my book into a screenplay. There is so much to learn, so little time. I imagine flying a helicopter over the beautiful Islands. Could there be anything more incredible?

Enjoy the Journey!

XOX Karlene

Monday Motivation: YOU CAN...

Focus

 

"Because achievement is one part rocket science and one part photography. You can focus, but it's not just your camera. it's your character.

Like a rocket engine, focus your energy and ability...by working hard. Evaluate your work--adjust your trajectory.

Envision your goals and focus on them because, like the moon, your dreams are lofty, but it's easy to get distracted, to get off course.

But you can focus. 
You can engineer your life for success."  Mark Jones

Mark Jones  is trying to design a poster for kids interested in photography and spark their imagination towards the possibilities in aerospace. What do you think of his photo and his quotes above? He would really appreciate your feedback.

For me, I'm off to Hawaii to put Flight For Control into a screenplay at the Aloha Writers' Retreat. I will be traveling in style, supporting my friends at Hawaiian Airlines, in appreciation of all the free rides. It feels good to have a real ticket.

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene   

Good Luck Mima!

Somewhere in the world it is January 21st, and today a very special young lady is facing a huge test that will open a door to her aviation career, fulfilling her dream to fly. Below is the email she sent me two weeks ago. After you read her excitement, and share in her tears of joy, please join me in wishing her the best of luck on this very important day.

"I got through the second stage of cadet pilot exam (for Airasia ) and it will be held on 21st January 2013. Wish me luck as I now preparing myself for the upcoming ADAPT test. Yes, I literally cried + screaming when I received an email saying I passed. It felt like a dream, a true dream that come to reality. I guess Karlene was right, ALWAYS SAY YOU CAN DO IT, YOU WILL DO IT... My email came a bit late compared to my friend who also got selected so I spent almost 12 hours fighting with urge to think of something negative. I kept on telling myself 'yeahh my inbox is full, that's why I didn't get any email just yet' and it turns out that my inbox indeed full so my email came a bit late.

I CRIED even this was just the second stage and still got one more last stage but this is also mean I am indeed one final step closer to my dream. I can't wait to tell you guys the good news and I promise to myself I will wear that 'cadet pilot uniform' and once I do that, I TAKE PICTURE and share with you guys here....

Right now, I'm going to study and give all out for ADAPT because I know it was challenging but I also know I will pass. Throw away all the negativity from my head. Phewwww~~~~"

Good Luck Mima!

Andrew Kibet

Friday's Fabulous Flyer

 Andrew Kibet

"I am Andrew Kibet Toroitich aged 30, the sixth born of Mr. & Mrs. Wilson Chemonjoi in a family of 10. My parents live in Kenya, Rift Valley Province in Marakwet District.

I went to Primary school through to the year 2000 when I successfully completed my ‘O’ Levels in Marakwet High School. I m grateful that my parents over this period managed to educate me and realize my dreams as a Professional pilot. 

 

With the unreserved support of my parents and instrumental encouragement with motivation, I was able to build initial assessments for pilot training at the Kenya School of Flight in Nairobi Kenya. After two weeks assessments, I was assessed as medically fit to do professional pilot training.

Considering the cost of Pilot Training in Kenya School of Flying , my parents opted to transfer me to more relatively cheaper school in South Africa, Flight Training College of Africa. The school went bankrupt just after I enrolled and had paid training fees.

 

 Although it was not “Cheaper” as indicated as I lost my training fees to FTC school, It was not really easy knowing the struggles of the family to make ends meet in the basics of life but with support of my loving Parents who understood and nurtured my dreams, I did not give up and joined Pretoria Flying School which was approved school by Ministry of Education of Kenya.

My passion of flying as a Pilot was catapulted by more interests in Aviation Business and Humanitarian Services offered as an Aircraft operator. I wanted to fly for UN, WFP, ICRC and also fly for NGO's to reach the unreached. And the most motivating factor was the adventurous spirit, to venture out and see what was there in the skies. I felt flying was more challenging and rewarding hence I didn't want to do what everyone was doing at the time. I wanted something unique, special, challenging and fulfilling. Which comes with traveling all round the world and get paid for it.

I finished my Commercial Pilot Training February 2008 and since then I have been flying as a freelance Pilot with some tourist charter companies in Kenya on a Cessna 208(Caravan) and B1900D. Which to this far, I thank God for enabling me be a professional Pilot.

 

Its one year from October 2011 when I got a job in Nigeria as an Expatriate to fly Beechcraft 1900D on a contract basis with Overland Airways. Flying the B1900 has been fun and a stable plane to Hand fly sometimes without autopilot. I enjoy flying it knowing what I am doing.

If given a chance or I get the chance to fly bigger body aircraft like the Boeing 737 series and other aircraft, it will be more fulfilling- The sky has never been the limit to me but to aim higher and step on the moon where human beings have also stepped.

 

My future plans in aviation are to Start an Aircraft Charter, Rental, & Leasing Business.

With the commercial airline industry offering fewer flights and services, many businesses and individuals are taking a closer look at private air charter and leasing opportunities. Coupled with concerns about security following 9/11, the demand for more convenient air travel has resulted in a decade of growth for private plan manufacturers as well as aircraft charter and leasing companies and this creates room for air charter start-ups.

The rising need of Humanitarian Services in Africa and Parts of Middle East demands a long-term plan leasing or provide a combination of the two approaches for UN, WFP ,ICRC and other NGOs .. Diversification is a legitimate business strategy and can increase my startup's revenues -- as long as I get the resources and expertise to flawlessly execute multiple business activity.

 

My dream is Start an Aircraft Charter, Rental, & Leasing Business, a business with encompassing affair and does not begin or end when the passengers board aircraft.

At this time I am looking for Partners, Lenders and Investors that I may need to get my feet off the ground.

All in All I am confident in this one thing that God who has begun a good work in me (has given me the will, dream and the desire) to complete it.” Philippians 1:6 

“For it is God working in you giving you the will and the power to achieve His purposes” Philippians 2:13. I have strong faith that with God, Together we can accomplish the unimaginable!”

Andrew, I think with your passion there is nothing that you cannot accomplish. We all wish the best of luck in all your endeavors! If there is a will, there is a way. If anyone has a suggestion for Andrew on how to accomplish his dreams, I'm sure he would love to hear from you. You have overcome every obstacle. I know you will again.

Enjoy the Journey! 

XO Karlene

The Last Bush Pilots

One of the most incredible things about reading is having the ability to travel to another world, and become part of that world. But when the author has lived it and paints a picture with his words...Wow! You can't help but to be sucked in and go for the ride of your life.

Author Cap'n Aux, Eric Auxier, is no stranger to the world of Alaska and this story, of pioneers of the of the bush, is one that he lived. This is story where fiction mirrors truth. Where boys become men. Where dreams are made, lives lost, and adventures lived.

The Last Bush Pilots sucks you in to an adventure that not many pilots have had the chance to experience. But more than that, I found myself wondering who the characters were in real life. How many of the escapades did Cap'n Aux participate in? Who does the author most likely resemble?

Karlene: I love all your character, and curious who do you mostly likely resemble? 

Cap'n Aux: I am most closely the "DC" character.  I made him somewhat naive, however, so that, through his eyes, the reader could learn the basics about flying and life in Alaska in an entertaining way.  Basically it's the "premise" that is the closest to real life.  Like DC, I was invited to fly in Alaska by a single phone call from my college buddy.  From there, our "stories" wildly diverge.

Karlene: So, like DC, did you leave a woman behind?

Cap'n Aux: I had been going steady with an awesome gal, Julia, when I left for Alaska.  We took a break while I was gone, which inspired the storyline for DC and Stephanie.  I dated around a little bit up there, including a gorgeous half Tlingit/half Filipina girl, who inspired the character of Tonya—but nowhere near as wicked!  After Alaska, Julia and I got back together and moved down to the Virgin Islands for a year (can you say, "sequel?!")  So, again, similar, but not nearly as dramatic as the DC/Stephanie/Tonya triangle.

 

Karlene: Tonya was definitely a wicked one. Can you tell us how much truth is behind this book?

Cap'n Aux: Unlike in the book, the worst accident that happened that summer was that our buddy accidentally dinged a wingtip while taxiing around another aircraft.  That earned him the dubious nickname of "Crash" (and boy did he hate it!)—hence the original inspiration for my "Crash Whitakker" character!  The real "Crash" is now a senior pilot at Alaska Airlines.

Karlene: What is it that you love most about writing fiction.? 

Cap'n Aux: What I love about fiction is that you can write about "truth" rather than "facts."  The most compelling fictional characters grow as they live their story, and we as readers grow with them.  The best books are those that, years later, you may not remember the characters or situations, but you still live some of the simple "truths" gleaned from their story.

 

I love this... Gleaning the truths and living them from your story. 

Cap'n Aux is an airline pilot, and one of the few who made it from bush to professional. Many lives have been lost in the Alaska bush. Those that can live to tell about it are pilots we should admire.

Not only were the characters fun, the flying great, the scenery beautiful, but The Last Bush Pilots gave me a fun break from my reality, to the reason pilots do what they do. To risk your life, leave your loved ones, and work under crazy conditions... there is a pull beyond reason. You have to be there to understand. And Cap'n Aux is inviting you into that world in his awesome novel.

Whenever I read something every once in awhile there is one statement that resonates more than others. In the The Last Bush Pilots I loved this comment: 

The old man bent to his ear and whispered, "You're always a pioneer if you've never done it before. The adventure's still out there, son. You just gotta go find it."   

Isn't that the truth! 

I say, let's all be pioneers. 

 
Enjoy the Journey! Wherever it may take you.

XO Karlene

 

Flight For Safety: Super Sized!

I have been busily typing and editing and adding new chapters. Changed the ending and then finally put my novel together into one document last night. I'm done with this rendition. 

"But Houston, I have a problem!"

OH NO! 

I got a little carried away with the writing.

Who said size is not an issue?

It is when it's a novel!

Flight For Safety

506 Pages

154,104 words.

I'm headed to Atlanta tomorrow for 0600 Friday morning bounces in the simulator. Stopping by Austin on my way home to play with my Grandson and give my daughter and son-in-law a break for the night. And returning Saturday night. I'm leaving Flight For Safety in the hands of the executive

editor, at Jet Star Publishing, to evaluate what has to go. This is one of the greatest challenges of writing. So I will get my carving tool out, and craft away, when I return.

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene