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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.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Aviation History

Today is the day you can create history!

Blogging In Formation is at it again and today is my day to write a post in honor of Aviation History Month. While there is a wealth of history I could choose from, today is a challenging day. At 0600 I will check my husband of 32-years into the hospital for a three and a half hour surgery that begins at 0730. We are headed out the door at 0530.

They will attempt to fix his abdominal wall from the previous 5 botched surgeries, remove his gallbladder while managing his heart that has decided to host an arrhythmia since the first surgery five years ago. It runs at crazy speeds. He will spend the week in the hospital with me by his side.


So today my aviation history post is to share the history of a man who changed aviation history with his unwavering support. When I was 24-years old, with three small children, I was offered a job at Evergreen International Airlines. Despite flying having been my dream, I was scared. Scared to begin my career before my kids were in school. Afraid to leave them for the first week of training. Afraid to climb into that jet. This was the turning point of my airline career.

My husband, Dick Petitt, said...

"These opportunities only come alone once in a lifetime. If you want to be a pilot, we'll make it work."

And there you have it... his contribution to Aviation History through his support.


Dick was the son of a Vetran that loved planes. He married a women who was determined to be a pilot. Yet he has never enjoyed flying. I found that out many years after we were married. But he never failed with his encouragement, support, and his impact on aviation history was how he impacted my life. He is truly the wind beneath my wings.



Please enjoy November's blogging in formation with my fellow bloggers. Have a wonderful Aviation History Month...

And remember...

Every person you touch, event you support, pilot you encourage and hand you hold... will impact aviation tomorrow. You are creating history.

"History is what you do today
 that will create a tomorrow"

Enjoy the Journey!
XO Karlene  

Blogging In Formation November Schedule:

Saturday November 2nd iFLYblog - Brent Owens 
Sunday November 3rd Airplanista - Dan Pimentel 
Monday November 4th Smart Flight Training - Andrew Hartley 
Tuesday November 5th Flight to Success - Karlene Petitt 
Wednesday November 6th House of Rapp - Ron Rapp


UPDATE on our Patient.
November 6

Surgery was long and went well. They fixed everything, and hopefully for the last time. We spent the night in the IMCU unit to monitor him through the night. And they gave him an epidural for pain management...a great idea! He sat up and hopefully we'll move to a quiet room tonight. So far. So good. Thank you all for your prayers!

Posted by Karlene Petitt at 12:00 AM

28 comments:

  1. Brent at iflyblog.comNovember 5, 2013 at 2:52 AM

    Karlene,
    I hope Dick's surgery goes well and his recovery is swift. We're pulling for him.

    That's an amazing story. He is a strong man to be able to send you off as a young mother to chase your dreams. There is no doubt that his selflessness changed the course of aviation history.

    It's amazing how people who might not be directly involved in our industry can have such a profound impact. It really shows how we are all truly connected.

    I know this will be a tough week, but know we are there for you

    Brent

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    Replies
    1. Karlene PetittNovember 5, 2013 at 4:50 AM

      Brent, Thank you for a beautiful comment. Yes, we forget how we can impact history and how we impact the world with only our words, and support. Everyone makes a difference.

      Yes... a tough week. Phase one: Get him through the surgery. Phase two: Get him through the week. Phase three... bring him home.

      Thank you!!!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousNovember 5, 2013 at 4:45 AM

    My prayers

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousNovember 5, 2013 at 5:46 AM

    Hi Karlene. My thoughts and prayers will be focused on Dick and you for the entire week. I already have a reply from the Big Guy, suggesting that Dick will do just fine. Stand by your man... -C.

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    1. Karlene PetittNovember 5, 2013 at 9:09 AM

      Thank you so much Craig! Thanks for the relay from the big guy. That is GREAT news!! He will be fine and I'll be standing by 24/7 for as long as it takes.

      Delete
  4. D.B.November 5, 2013 at 5:55 AM

    Good luck Dick and Karlene. You forgot to mention his role as manuscript editor :)

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    1. Karlene PetittNovember 5, 2013 at 9:12 AM

      Oh there is so much I did not mention. We have 32 years of super stardom.

      Delete
  5. UnknownNovember 5, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    I truly hope all goes well and will be eagerly awaiting the updates. Steve

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    Replies
    1. Karlene PetittNovember 5, 2013 at 9:18 AM

      Thank you so much Steve!! I'm eagerly waiting too. Will keep you updated.

      Delete
  6. AndrewNovember 5, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    Karlene:

    Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of not just your Blogging in Formation family, but the rest of the aviation family (and more) as well.

    Thanks for this post - it's a heartwarming and great reminder that we all create history every day! Even in ways that we don't (and can't) know until well into the future, if ever.

    Tailwinds,
    Andrew

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karlene PetittNovember 5, 2013 at 9:20 AM

      Andrew, Thank you so much for the wonderful comment. I think that we all forget how much we impact the future. Look at all your are doing...you are creating history.

      Delete
  7. Ron RappNovember 5, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    What a great story. Obviously you know this after three decades of marriage, but he's a "keeper"! It takes a very loving and selfless individual to support a pilot like that. With our odd hours and days away, our lifestyle doesn't always make it easy.

    I hope his surgery is successful and the recovery quick and painless. Keep us posted on his progress!

    --Ron

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karlene PetittNovember 5, 2013 at 9:24 AM

      Thanks Ron, he is definitely a keeper! One of his greatest qualities is his selflessness. He is probably the one person in my life who is sincerely happy for everyone's success... without a bit of jealousy. A unique person for sure.

      I will definitely keep you posted!

      Delete
  8. capnauxNovember 5, 2013 at 8:12 AM

    Praying for Dick and your family in these tough times--what a great history post honoring him. I'll be writing about MY "aviation hero"--my Dad--at the end of this month! Good luck!

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    Replies
    1. Karlene PetittNovember 5, 2013 at 9:34 AM

      Eric, Thank you so much. We have faced tough times before, and I am looking forward to those we'll face in the future.

      I am also looking forward to your aviation hero post about your Dad!

      Delete
  9. Dave S.November 5, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    Karlene,

    Will be praying for successful surgery for Dick and an easier than anticipated week for you. Many of us aviators were inspired by our families in one way or another. My dad was a WWII Navy pilot. Thanks for sharing yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karlene PetittNovember 5, 2013 at 12:36 PM

      Thank you so much for the prayers Dave. We were all inspired somehow. Maybe a family member, a neighbor...or the plane that flew overhead. I'm sure you are very proud of your dad. Thanks for the comment.

      Delete
  10. kathy larsenNovember 5, 2013 at 11:38 AM

    prayers and positive thoughts going out to your family.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Jeremy Carlisle (CaptainAboard.com)November 5, 2013 at 1:14 PM

    Karlene, I am glad that everything went well. Even though he really doesn't like to fly, his love of aviation shows in that support of you becoming a pilot and taking the first step with Evergreen.

    You and your family were in my sincerest thoughts and prayers today and will continue to be!

    Jeremy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karlene PetittNovember 5, 2013 at 1:39 PM

      Thank you so much Jeremy! Prayers worked. He's out!!! And all went well. We're in IMCU to monitor the heart issue... but this is a good place when you're in the hospital.

      Delete
  12. AnonymousNovember 6, 2013 at 6:32 PM

    Very thankful surgery went well. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers daily. If you need anything im here for you. Love you lots carolyn

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    Replies
    1. Karlene PetittNovember 6, 2013 at 6:47 PM

      Thank you Carolyn!!! Thoughts and prayers are so much appreciated!!! Love you lots!!

      Delete
  13. RobiNovember 7, 2013 at 10:16 AM

    SO glad that things went well.
    You guys continue to lean into this....you'll no doubt push out through the other side soon !

    Positive energy your way.......

    ReplyDelete
  14. John RamseyNovember 13, 2013 at 11:33 AM

    That's a lovely story Karlene.My traditional 'British stiff upper lip' was somewhat loosened when I read it.Aviators eh? what a great bunch of people.
    Good luck Dick,old chap!

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    Replies
    1. Karlene PetittNovember 13, 2013 at 5:04 PM

      John, Thank you so much for the great comment. I just read it to the patient and he smiled. And you know I did. Thank you!!

      Delete

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