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


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

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Flying Around The World

But there is no place like home!

Last weekend we had all the girls home and had fair day with the kids and grandkids. The weather cooperated. The kids were on their best behavior besides being exhausted from traveling. And then scheduling called. They cut my time short with my family and sent me on a trip around the world.


Day one... I deadheaded from Seattle to Tokyo on a B777. My first time on the plane. I got to take a peek into the crew bunks, which are awesome. And I'm on the way to bring back into service one of our A330s that just had our crew bunk removed.




Day two was a Deadhead on JAL to Singapore.

And I got to have my first flight on the B787! 


She is so beautiful and the wings just goes on forever.  

 

Tomorrow I'm flying to Mumbai to deliver a bunkless Airbus into service, and will pick up another to bring it back to Singapore for its bunkdectomy. And then I deadhead home... Just in time to fly to Atlanta, Amsterdam and back to Mumbai. Literally... I'm flying around the world.

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene 

22 comments:

  1. As far as the bunkectomy goes, are the aircraft being reassigned to routes where crew rest is not an issue? If so, will the removal of the bunks allow additional seats to be placed on the aircraft or is it just a weight savings thing?

    Thanks in advance.

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    1. Actually... on the 200... they have put a bunk for the augmented crews... for those flight with double crews... in the aft cargo compartment. I had to bend over to get in there. A bit tight and a bit scary for this claustrophob. I felt really uncomfortable. Not sure if I can be in there with another person. On the 300... we will be resting in a seat. The removal is for the lie flat seats. What can I say? You'll have to read book two... Flight For Safety... to see what Darby thinks. ;)

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  2. So what's the new plan with crew-rest? I heard they were installing crew rest in 767s because reserving first class seats for pilots was too expensive and also the new rest rules allow them to do more if the rest facility is better... Pretty neat to fly all the way around the world like that! Should be interesting to make the connection between the east and west networks of your company as well!

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    1. Yes... it's super cool to meet all the people out here. Okay... bunks. On the 300... we're in a seat. On the 200... we go to the cargo compartment bunk. Read my comment to CA Shmoe. :)

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  3. What a life you lead, Karlene! Thanks for letting us fly second seat on your latest adventure. Dreaming of the day I can ride in a 787...one day...one day!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! And I'm dreaming of the day I can fly a 787. 2020! I'll be there.

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  4. Sorry you had your time cut short with your family! I guess this is a good way to make up for it, a trip around the world with many "firsts" along the way!

    Very jealous that you got to fly on the 787. I'll look forward to hearing what your thoughts are about the A330 bunkless situation.. sounds pretty backwards for pilot (and passenger) safety.

    Thanks for the great post,
    -Swayne

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment Swayne. Yes... bunkless planes are a step back in the name of moving forward. But... change is good? The passengers are going to have fabulous seats! A comfortable ride. And I will be with my family soon. Thank you so much for the comment!

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  5. I had the same thoughts as others on the removal of the crew bunk - are these A330's going to be used on high density short haul routes? I can't imagine them giving you flights with no bunks - unless they give you a first class lie-flat bed :) I'm also envious of your 78 flight - my first 787 viewing will be the new Oslo - Ft Lauderdale route next month :)

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    1. Yes... we are going to have a first class lie flat enroute. The question of noise will be the issue there, and time will tell. The long haul 200's...we have bunks in the cargo compartment. But not sure if I can go there. This is going to be a challenge for me. And something I have to work on. More to come on that. Thanks for your comment!!

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  6. Just curious... what's the longest flight you fly with the Delta A330 + flight time?

    Thanks,
    -Swayne

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    1. I'm not sure. But we're going to be flying Seattle to Guangzhou... that will be it. 12-14 hours? Not exactly sure. Double crews. Not sure if I can go into the small hole with another pilot to sleep. Time shall tell.

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  7. Around the world! Woah! My friend is currently onboard Singapore Airline flight #22 from Singapore to Newark (nonstop) - the worlds longest passenger flight.
    I sure hope they have a couple of sets of pilots onboard.

    Pilot resting in the passenger cabin can be a challenge, especially since the noises other passengers make while eating, drinking...partying! But a good lie-flat business class seat isn't bad either, if you cut out the noises.

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    1. Oh wow!!! I am sure they do. And... I bet they have really good bunks! lol. How long is that flight? It would be nice not to get off the plane. We depart at 6... I have an hour to connect and then on to Seattle. Home tomorrow by 8. And will get caught up. I am going to test the lie flat seat for sleeping on my way to Seattle... will update and let you know. Thanks so much for your comment!

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    2. The scheduled time is more than 18 hours. However, yesterday's flight lasted "only" 17 hours and 30 minutes.

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  8. Fly a rocket ship. Laugh a lot. You are a pilot. Eat curry. Dance all night. Come home. Garden. Paint. Hooorray!


    Alex. :P

    Oh... And don't forget to sleeepzzzz!

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    Replies
    1. hahah...So much to do so little time. And editing... rapidly... for the best book ever! Lol. Yes.. I'm sleeping tonight... searching for brain power.

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    2. I'm going to start reading it Saturday! *drum rolls*

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    3. I'm excited for you to read the final too!!!

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  9. Last month I flew AMS-BOM-AMS on Delta and I was hoping you would be flying the A330...sadly not !!!

    Enjoy Mumbai - my hometown :)

    Cheers on flying the 777 (my fav) and 787 (the one I worked on the most)

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    Replies
    1. We were a week off!!! Maybe next time. I hope you had a great flight!

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Thank you for your comment! If your comment doesn't appear immediately, it will after I land. Enjoy the journey!