Friday's Fabulous Flyer
Dave Montgomery
Pilot. Author. Search and Rescue Expert.
Type rated: C-130, B727, B707, C-212, GIII and G-IV
Dave currently flies as a Captain for Net Jets, but his aviation experience reaches beyond the sky. And while I know that we are all influenced by the experiences of our lives, I have to ask how often any of us have we been put to test on one of those lessons?
In 1991 Captain Montgomery was one of four special ops pilots to conduct operational tests and evaluations of amphibious aircraft in the Atlantic Ocean. Then, while on Active duty from 1995-1998, he served as the Air Force liaison as an advisor for the Civil Air Patrol in search and rescue.
What are the odds that a pilot who had been involved in landings and takeoffs on parallel swells in choppy Seas, who had been working on search and rescue, would actually get to experience one?
It was August 2004. Dave was the aircraft commander of a USAF Gulfstream, and what started out as an ordinary flight turned south quickly when the main door seal failed at 40,000 feet. His experience during this rapid depressurization, and the successful outcome, did more than spark an interest...
it ignited a passion.
it ignited a passion.
His research as to what happens in a ditching while crossing an ocean was not a wasted effort, and he is sharing his knowledge.
BLUE WATER DITCHING
Training Profession Crewmembers For the Unthinkable Disaster.
This is a must read. From successful ditchings, to training and how to survive. You think this might never happen to you? Never say never. I spent Tuesday night flying over the Atlantic thinking about the "what if" and "how to," thanks to Dave.
Dave will be at the Northwest Aviation Conference and Trade Show, signing books in Booth 513. On
Sunday at 1pm he will present a powerpoint presentation that covers highlights of
the book, with emphasis on new concepts that overwater operators should plan and discuss.
Join us all at the conference...and make sure you attend Captain Montgomery's presentation! It may just save your life.
Enjoy the Journey!
XOX Karlene
Hi! This is very interesting! Pilots always have to think of the "what if's" and "how to's"
ReplyDeleteBut I don't think any person can imagine what it really is, and how we really would react if we had to ditch in open waters, at night, in a big ocean. We can't imagine, but we have to be prepared.
Have a great weekend!
Thanks for your comment Cecilie. Yes... it's quite the thought when you're out there. Could we do it? His book certainly provides some tips that give a better chance of survival. And when we think it couldn't happen... he shares examples of has happened, and could happen.
DeleteYOU have a GREAT weekend too! See you soon.
Not to mention the "oh craps"
DeleteNo kidding.
DeleteGosh, I've never even heard of "ditching," but it sounds terrifying. Sounds like a cool read. Have fun at the conference!
ReplyDeleteYes... you never "want" to hear of ditching. Not good.
Delete